Kempton preview: Presenting Arms to gun down rivals
Published:
David Metcalf | November 23, 2015
Arms on hand to offer threat
Presenting Arms has a good record fresh and can take advantage of what looks a lenient mark to make a winning return to action in the 2m handicap hurdle on today’s card at Kempton (15.45).
The Harry Fry trained gelding won first time up last season at Wetherby before making light of a 7lb penalty to follow-up over course and distance.
Presenting Arms made a couple of mistakes in the latter, but travelled powerfully throughout and after taking up the running at the final flight only had to be ridden out to beat Rayvin Black by six lengths off a mark of 121.
It was a most taking display, and the runner-up is a useful sort who is now rated 134 having gone went on to land a valuable handicap at Sandown before finishing runner-up in the ultra-competitive class 1 Imperial Cup at the same venue.
That gives the form a very strong look in the context of this class 3 in contest, especially as Presenting Arms was receiving just 1lb from Rayvin Black and beat him so comprehensively.
It suggests that the eight-year-old remains very well-treated off a mark of 127, at a track where he is unbeaten in two starts.
Another plus is that Presenting Arms has a good record fresh having won twice after a lay-off, and with the yard in good form the son of Presenting looks weighted to take all the beating.
Target to triumph
In the 2m 4f handicap chase (14.45), Sew On Target looks decent value to get back to winning ways now eased in grade.
The Colin Tizzard trained gelding is a bold jumper who was last successful at Cheltenham back in December off a mark of 135 when making all and running on strongly to land a class 2 contest by six lengths.
Sew on Target went on to perform with credit in his next three starts, including when eighth of 30 to Rajdhani Express in the class 1 Topham at Aintree off 142.
The 10-year-old is now able to race off 135 again, the same as when last successful, and that gives the son of Needle Gun major claims from a handicapping perspective.
Although Sew On Target hasn’t been at his best in two starts at Cheltenham this season, they were both competitive class 2 contests and this if a far weaker class 3 affair which represents a big drop in class.
Selections
13.05: Brain Power
13.50: Vaniteux
14.10: Polly Peachum
14.45: Sew On Target (NB)
15.15: Walk On Al
15.45: Presenting Arms (NAP)
