All-weather action at Kempton and Wolverhampton

Two all-weather meetings this afternoon, but no real highlights. It is unusual for 3yo´s to take on their elders (except in sprint races) at this time of year, but Mark Johnston seems to have found a suitable opportunity for Longboat Key (Greg Fairley) in the 10 furlongs maiden race at 15.45 CET at Kempton, as the four older horses in the field have only poor form and should not be able to concede the Yorkshire raider 21 lbs. The handicap over the same trip at 16.20 is the most open race of the day with 14 runners, very few of whom have any decent recent form to boast. Under the circumstances, top-weight Tabulate (Paul Howling/ Pat Cosgrave), who at least usually finishes in mid-field, looks the safest option. The fillies handicap over a mile at 16.55 has only 5 runners, but looks quite tricky. Ed Dunlop, in the mddle of moving yards, had a winner here yesterday and can follow up with Moon Crystal (Jim Crowley), although Perfect Act (Clive Cox/ Adam Kirby), whose saddle slipp ed last tme, looks a big threat. At Wolverhampton, another maiden, this time over 1 1/2 miles at 16.25, is the most interesting event. Of those that have been running on the flat, Dusk (Mrs. Humphrey/ Chris Catlin) is easily the best, but several N.H. horses in the field of 10 look dangerous, notably Nicky Henderson´s Eighteenfifty (George Baker), whose bumper form (122) should be good enough here. Otherwise the apprentice handicap over 9 1/2 furlongs at 17.00 looks the best race here. Top-weight and CD specialist Scamperdale (Brian Baugh/ Sonia Eaton) can take this from Hucking Heat (Reg Hollinshead/ David Kenny) and New Star (Mark Brisbourne/ Andrew Heffernan).