Kempton

12.45pm

Homer

This looks a good race, as usual, and Homer clearly doesn’t face an easy task on his hurdling debut. But he looks to have shown plenty of ability on the Flat in France, winning a couple over middle distances before chancing his arm and being placed in a Group 3, so the ability is there. Unsurprisingly, he cost a fair amount at the sales in October, and I believe everyone has been very happy with him since he arrived.

3.35pm

French Crusader

We took him out of the Ascot race won by Not So Sleepy at Ascot on Saturday because of the heavy ground, but hopefully it won’t be anywhere near as testing here. But carrying top weight in ground that is softer than ideal for him is obviously still a fair ask. I was delighted with his comeback run behind Epatante at Newbury though, as he travelled beautifully through the race, and I believe he is still fairly treated despite going up 4lb. On better ground I would be pretty confident of a big run, but he still has a fair chance here.