All-Weather Qualifier in Kempton

Kempton, Wednesday, 8 February: Seven races are on the programme at the dirt track in Kempton today. The highlight is a Fast Track Qualifier (6th race/19.00/25,000 pounds/3218 m) for the All-Weather Championships, on 7 April in Newcastle.

The final ticket in the `Marathon` category could go to Earl Of Tyrone (James Doyle). The five-year-old, who has recently joined William Haggas in the quarters, lost more and more form last year after a winning streak and makes his debut on clay today. Among his fiercest rivals is Berkshire Rocco (Jason Watson), for whom Andrew Balding is responsible. The six-year-old is already qualified thanks to his recent triumph at Southwell. He defeated Rainbow Dreamer (Rossa Ryan) and Earlofthecotswolds (Tom Queally) by a length and a half, who also impressed in the next places. The latter won last year`s All-Weather Marathon against Rainbow Dreamer, among others, finishing sixth and well ahead of the chanceless Sleeping Lion (David Probert), who makes his comeback today. Solent Gateway (Ross Coakley) already had no chance against today`s rivals at Southwell and once again enters as an outsider. Metier (Saffie Osborne) changes course again after his unsuccessful performance in the Christmas Hurdle (Group 1). For him, the win on the flat track at Doncaster in November counts. Aced It (Jack Mitchell) won in lower grade at Kempton this year.