Kempton Placepot picks: Richard Birch provides his selections for the £50,000 guaranteed pool

Classic King rates the clear pick on form in leg one (3.48) of the Placepot at Kempton, where the pool is guaranteed for £50,000, and can prove too strong for Bhaloo.

Orchestra makes his handicap hurdle debut in leg two (4.20). This dual Flat scorer looks potentially well treated on a mark of 100.

Freddie Fleetfoot would hold standout claims in leg three (4.55) if he reproduces his last-time-out second to Soir De Gala.

Pride Of Nepal, who jumped well on his first venture into a handicap hurdle at Fakenham in October 2022, rates a threat.

The Nicky Henderson-trained By The Grace looks a good starting point for leg four (5.25), with Salvatore also worth including.

Thelasthighking, who disappointed at Ascot last month on his return from a 118-day break, should be sharper in leg five (6.00). He has performed very well on both of his visits to Kempton.

Nicely progressive Duhallow Tommy, whose trainer went agonisingly close with Surrey Quest in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Saturday, should also run well.

Highstakesplayer, whose trainer Tom Lacey boasts an outstanding record at Kempton this season, appeals strongly in the final leg (6.30).

Kempton Placepot perm

3.48
2 Classic King

4.20
4 Orchestra

4.55
5 Pride Of Nepal
8 Freddie Fleetfoot

5.25
1 By The Grace
3 Salvatore

6.00
1 Thelasthighking
13 Duhallow Tommy

6.30
6 Highstakesplayer

1x1x2x2x2x1 = 8 lines

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