Kempton (N.H.), Fontwell (N.H.) and Southwell (a.w.)

Kempton stages its first jumps meeting of the winter today, but with the ground riding firm, there are small fields and only 40 horses have been entered for the 7 races. There are however some decent performers in action,, and the smart German-bred Bergo (Gary Moore/ Andrew Glassonbury) is expected to win the beginners chase at 15.50 CET, while the highly-rated Australia Day (Paul Webber/ Andrew Thornton) has another German-bred, Press the Button (James Boyle/ Richard Johnson) to beat in the listed novice hurdle at 16.25. Howard Johnson has his string in good form and sends down some raiders from his northern base, of whom Professor Higgins at 17.00 and Red Moloney at 17.35, both with Denis O´Rgan aboard, have the best chances. The fields are bigger at Fontwell, but the quality lower, but it is certainly significant that Paul Nicholls has sent two runners here - There´s no Panic in the novice hurdle at 16.00 and Tot of the Knar in the handicap chase at 16.35; both are partner ed by Christian Williams and will amost certainly start favourite. There is all-weather racing at Southwell, with some tricky handicaps, notably the class 2 race at 16.15 over a mile. Penitent (William Haggas/ Shane Kelly), never yet out of the first two, and Collateral Damage (Tim Easterby/ David Allen), who has won his last 4 races, are obvious candidates, but we also like the chances of Flipando (David Barron/ Phillip Makin). Lightly-raced Feathered Crown can continue Henry Cecil´ s and Tom Queally´s good run in the stayers handicap at 15.,40, while course specialist Pawan (Ann Stokell) should be thereabouts in the 6 furlongs handicap at 18.00.

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Alazan - Mohanad - Strong Storm
2. Race: Bergo - Bunglasha Jake - Stumped
3. Race: Press The Button - Australia Day - Cootehill
4. Race: Professor Higgins - Green Gamble - Yawl Springs
5. Race: Treaty Flyer - Red Moloney - Alph
6. Race: Balthazar King - The Big Orse - Astral Boy
7. Race: Ibberton - Cold Mountain - Top Dressing