Top hurdlers at Kempton

With the Champions Day on the flat now behind us, interest is increasingly centred on N.H. racing and some stars are on view at Kempton´s first jumps meeting of the season today. There are only 5 runners in the listed hurdle race over 2 miles at 17.25 CET, but they include two Grade One winners- Rock On Ruby (Harry Fry/ Noel Fehily), who won the Champion Hurdle in 2012 and was runner-up this year, and The New One (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies), who has won 7 of his 10 races and looks a major prospect for this season. However his Cheltenham Festival victory came over a longer distance, and he could find this trip on the sharp side, so we prefer Rock On Ruby today.

Although it is clear that they both need the race as their main targets are coming much later. The other 3 runners get 8 lbs from this pair and are all useful, but are likely to be outclassed. There is also a budding star over hurdles to be seen in the listed race for novices at 16.20: Sea Lord (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan) who has won 12 of his 22 starts, including not only his last 5 over sticks but also a group race on the flat. Ferguson, aka Sheikh Mohammed´s bloodstock adviser, has his string in great form and despite some useful opposition, Sea Lord should continue his winning run. Another smart hurdler Dodging Bullets (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) makes his chasing debut at 15.45 and if he jumps round safely should not be troubled to score, while the same team can also take the opening 3yo hurdle at 15.15 with French import Aidopicgros.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Aldopicgros - Duroble Man - Town Mouse
2. Race: Turn Over Sivola - Earls Quarter - Grabtheglory
3. Race: Sea Lord - Azure Fly - Life And Soul
4. Race: Highrate - Western King - Sadler`S Star
5. Race: Rock On Ruby - Australia Day - Coronea Lilly
6. Race: Cap Elorn - Alfraamsey - Giant O Murchu
7. Race: Howlongisafoot - Warden Hill - Master Benjamin