N.H. racing at Kempton and Plumpton

Two jumps meetings this afternoon, with by far the best racing on offer at Kempton. The opening novice hurdle at 14.00 CET is a really hot race. Nicky Henderson saddles two runners, with stable jockey Barry Geraghty riding the highly-rated but so far disappointing) According. King Olav (Tany Carroll/ Tom Scudamore) has already shown ability over the sticks, while Mark Tompkins´ Smokey Oakey (Colin Bolger), who won the Lincoln 2 years ago for Oscar winner Judy Dench, marks his debut over hurdles. Of great interest also is Alan King´s German-bred Iolith, who was listed class on the flat when trained by André Fabre for Baron Ullmann.

Another German-bred with chances is Backbord (Lucy Wadham/ Dougie Costello) in the 2 miles 5 furlongs handicap hurdle at 15.50. Nicky Henderson supplies the main danger in Working Title (Geraghty), a very easy winner last time. Henderson can also score with the course specialist (3 from 3 here) Riverside Theatre (Geraghty) in the graduation chase at 16.10 and Crystal Rock (David Bass), who has top-weight in the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle at 17.20.

While Kempton´s card is strong for a Monday, Plumpton´s is frankly awful. Frosted Grape (David Pipe/ Johnny Farrelly) fell last time, but has already won 4 times this season and should outclass feeble opposition in the mares novice hurdle at 14.20. Red Current (Michael Scudamore/ Sam Jones) is still a maiden over jumps, but ran respectably last time over this CD, and must have an each-way chance in the 2 mile handicap hurdle at 14.55, while 13yo Spider Boy (Zoe Davison/ Gemma Gracey-Davison) runs his best races here and should be placed in the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle at 17.10.