Luke has his say on Kempton closure and previews his weekend rides
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Luke Morris Kempton closure thoughts
Kempton has dominated the news this week in racing after plans were announced to close the course and I think it’s a move that’s in the best interests of racing as a whole.
I spend a lot of time at Kempton, particularly in the winter, and in the King George VI Chase there is a rich heritage. But the general Kempton meetings on the all-weather on a Wednesday night, and generally for most meetings, it’s pretty much a ghost town.
Kempton’s a place that really just seems to cater for the odd few jumps meetings and King George day. The plans are difficult for the jumps boys but take away the King George and it’s a course where not a lot happens most of the year.
In terms of riding, Kempton’s a lovely fair all-weather track but looking at the plans for the course they’re planning to build in its place in Newmarket the plans look quite similar to the layout at Kempton.
That new course is going to please the Newmarket guys a lot but it’s not going to suit a lot of other people from places like Lambourn. It might need some extra thought.
Overall, as Kempton caters for one day of the year and for the good of the sport I think it’s the right thing to do as it means there’s going to be a lot of money invested in other areas.
Lingfield rides
12.15 Lingfield – Indigo Princess
The yard are in better form now than when she last ran. I’m also not sure she quite stayed the trip last time. She’s back in trip and I’d expect a big run as it looks the ideal race.
1.25 Lingfield – Memories Galore
I was really impressed with him when I won on him over 5f. Whether he’s quite as effective over 6f we won’t really find out until he runs, but he’s a horse that has a lot of potential on the all-weather.
2.00 Lingfield – Bold Prediction
He’s a real tough nut in front and races with his heart on his sleeve. He’s down to a competitive mark, is drawn well in stall two and if he gets his own way in front then he’ll run a big race.
2.35 Lingfield – Pioneertown
I’ve ridden him once in his work at home and he’s quite a raw horse who’ll need some time. I think he’s one to keep an eye on for later in the year.
Wolverhampton rides
6.45 Wolverhampton – Sund City
She ran in an apprentice race the last time and was probably ridden too aggressively as she didn’t finish her race. Before that she’d run some good races in defeat so if she can come back to that form she’ll be in the mix.
7.15 Wolverhampton – Ebony N Ivory
Trainer Archie Watson’s horses are in good form and he puts them in the right races. This horse is rated 71 but he’s able to get into the race with the new rules. He’s dropped to a decent mark but looks a little tricky. If he puts his best foot forward then he’s not without a chance.
8.15 Wolverhampton – Boost
She looked very promising on her first two starts. This looks a weak race and I’d be disappointed if she isn’t good enough to get off the mark here.
8.45 Wolverhampton – Trust The Indian
He’s drawn wide and needs to improve to take a hand. He’s one to watch for signs of improvement.
Cheers,
Luke
