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Racing survives the weather thankfully - Jan 9th

I was delighted to wake up to the news this morning that all three race meetings that had early inspections were deemed raceable and we were going to be treated to a full programme for the day. I had taken a chance on Kempton and focused a lot of my attention on their meeting over the past few days so I was relieved to see that meeting go ahead! The rescheduled Welsh National card adds real depth to the day's schedule and having been initially keen on Lord Du Mesnil, I have decided to give the race a skip and focus on Kempton for my selections.

I must admit that Master Tommytucker is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine. I know I shouldn't like him, he has let me down a few times (usually by falling) and is about as unpredictable as you will get. However, despite falling on his last two visits to Kempton, I actually think he has his ideal conditions today and Imperial Aura is going to have to be very good to give him 6lb. On those two occasions, he was jumping brilliantly and travelling superbly to suggest he was going to win easily (the Grade 1 Feltham was one of those). I am a huge fan of Imperial Aura but I'm not sure this race will suit him and the form of his last win would hardly stand against the closest scrutiny. Real Steel was subsequently pulled up in the King George and beating Itchy Feet (who can't jump fences) is hardly Grade 1 form, even if he did it rather easily. He is still by far the most likely winner of this and might even win easy but given his optimum conditions Paul Nicholls' charge is a quality horse in his own right and I believe he has them today. He seems to have improved his jumping this season and it is generally very good, if he can avoid making the mistake that results in him on the floor. At the prices, I just felt Master Tommytucker was value in a race that looks made for him, with the small field sure to suit.  

I looked at the Lanzarote Hurdle for quite some time before eventually landing on Mount Mews (after being close to choosing others). He is very hard to win with but the stable is in red hot form recently and he looks sure to run very well at a huge price. The 10 year-old is hardly progressive but is now only rated 131 after being Grade 1 class as a novice (albeit 4 years ago). He has run some decent efforts recently, second on his last two attempts, having looked like the winner on both occasions. The stable are operating just under 30% at the moment and the hope is that the first time blinkers will eek out a little more improvement. While there are other more likely ones, it is easy envisage this smoooth  traveller there turning for home and a good run looks assured. Hopefully he can run into the places at least and who knows he may even beat that!! 


1pt win Master Tommytucker (7/2 General) Kempton 2.55 *use BOG firms


0.5pt eway Mount Mews (22/1 General) Kempton 3.30 *use BOG firms, paying 5+places) 


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