Kempton Preview: Finn’s chances look first Class
Finn Class has been given a big chance by the handicapper and can take advantage to land the 1m contest at Kempton today (4.20).
The gelding has won three of his 15 starts, and the last of those successes came at this venue last October when trained by Michael Bell.
The three-year-old stayed on gamely to score by 3/4 of a length off a mark of 79 in a decent class 2 contest, ann backed up that effort with a fine third to Bilimbi in a similar grade affair on the turf at Musselbrugh off 83.
Now the the care of Michael Dods. Finn Class is able to race in this lower grade class 4 contest off just 78.
That is 1lb lower than whne last successful and gives the son of Exceed And Excel major claims from a handicapping perspective.
Although well beaten last time out on his first start for Dods, Finn Class was mulish in the parade ring beforehand and was very considerately handled in the race itself.
Finn Class is entitled to strip much fitter for that run, his first in 99 days, and it looks significant that connections are switching him back to the polytrack surface on which he is 1-1.
The Dods’ team also very rarely have runners at the track, and the fact that Fin Class is the only runner being sent down on the long journey down from their County Durham base suggests a huge run is expected.
In the 7f handicap (2.50), Good Luck Charm doesn’t look badly treated on the pick of his form and can go well at a decent price.
The Gary Moore trained gelding is a course and distance winner who comes into the contest in good form.
The five-year-old took advantage of a drop in the weights score on his penultimate start at Goodwood when running on strongly from off the pace to score by 1/2 a length off a mark of 74, and then ran far better than his finishing position suggests last time out over course and distance when fifth of 14 to Unforgiving Minute in a decent class 4 contest off 79.
The son of Doyen was ridden by a 7lb claimer and very poorly positioned when the pace quickened.
As the leaders kicked-on, Good Luck Charm was too far out of his ground to respond immediately before staying on strongly to be beaten 5 1/2 lengths.
Given how the race panned out it was a decent effort, and Good Luck Charm now gets the professional services of David Sweeney in the saddle.
That is a big plus, as is the fact the he is now able to race off a 1lb lower mark of 78.
Good Luck Charm should be really competitive off his current rating having twice finished runner-up of 80 last year, and from a good draw in stall two everything looks in place for a big run.
Selections:
2.15: The Dapper Tapper
2.50: Good Luck Charm (NB)
3.20: Pathway To Honour
3.50: China Club
4.20: Finn Class (NAP)
4.50: Mahsoob
5.20: Allnecessaryforce
5.50: Salvado
