jumps racing at Catterick, jumpers bumpers at Kempton

Chepstow having been abandoned, Catterick now stages the only jumps racing today, but the card is low grade and some small fields do not make it any more inviting. Our best bet here is Campbonnais (Ali Brewer/ Adam Wedge) in the handicap chase at 16.20 CET. This ex-Irish chaser was much better than this class previously, and after a long break made his comeback for new trainer Brewer last week at Fakenham, winning very easily over 2 1/2 miles. He has been raised 11 lbs for that, but races off the same mark today and if he does not "bounce" should follow up; the extra 5 furlongs should not be a problem, as he had form in Ireland over this trip. Bottom-weight Big Sound (Tim Walford/ Grant Cockburn), who also ran well last week, looks the main danger. Ali Brewer could be completing a double here, as we also like her Proud Times (Jack Doyle) at 15.10, while Vice et Vertu (Henry Daly/ Richard Johnson) can win the novice hurdle at 15.45; he has won both his races over sticks and looks a nice prospect, though he may not find it easy to concede 22 lbs to lightly-raced 4yo River Bollin (Tim Easterby/ Dougie Costello).
The jumpers bumpers fixture at Kempton, an extra meeting to make up for all the recent abandonments, is much more interesting, and the 8 races, all over 2 miles, have large fields and have attracted runners from some of the top stable, notably Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson. Henderson´s Dawalan (David Bass) at 18.40 CET looks the best bet here; this very well-bred performer (a half-brother to flat champions Daylami and Dalakhani) is a very promising young hurdler who should have no problem winning this. German-bred Spanish Treasure probably has no chance here, but Dawn Command has each-way possibilities at 17.40 (although we cannot see him beating Henderson`s Shakalakaboomboom, going for the Grand National, or Nicholls´ Southfield Theatre), and we really like the chances of the Monsun gelding Milord (Kim Bailey/ Nick Scholfield) at 18.10; this rather highly strung character has fallen in his last two races over hurdles - both times looking the likely winner- and may find it easier now with no obstacles in the way.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Makhzoon - Hunters Belt - Belle De Fontenay
2. Race: Kolonel Kirkup - Marlborough House - Great Demeanor
3. Race: Fitandproperjob - Easydoesit - Blackwater King
4. Race: Classic Move - River Bollin - Mister Jones
5. Race: Pudsey House - Romany Ryme - Hartforth
6. Race: Chicklemix - Kykate - Billy Cuckoo
7. Race: Oleohneh - Philosofy - Bulas Belle