County fancy Golden Spear seeks consolation for Martin and Meyler

2.40 Kempton
Better Odds with Matchbook Silver Plate Handicap Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m5f, 4yo+ | ITV4/RUK

As befits a race which seeks to offer consolation for those that just missed out at Cheltenham during the week, there is just 4lb covering the top ten in the handicap.

Tony Martin's runners always attract plenty of attention on forays to Britain, and Leopardstown November Handicap winner Golden Spear was trading at single figures for the County at the beginning of the week before failing to make the cut.

The booking of Donagh Meyler can be seen only as a positive but it remains to be seen whether the son of sprint stallion Kyllachy will handle the step up in trip.

Nicky Henderson has won the last two editions – most recently with RSA hero Might Bite – and relies on Divine Spear, who found only County Hurdle fourth Air Horse One too good last time at Ascot.

Brio Conti took four attempts to get off the mark over hurdles before the penny dropped with a nine-length defeat at Doncaster of Wenyerreadyfreddie, who won easily back at the same track next time.

Distance dilemma

With the race attracting entries from across the spectrum of trips only five of the 20 runners – Sleep Easy, Mister Fizz, Byron Flyer, Crimson Ark and Cottersrock – have scored over this 2m5f.

What they say

Neil Mulholland, trainer of Sleep Easy and Solomn Grundy
Both have been very consistent this season. They've both won their races and I wouldn't be surprised to see both run well.

Tony Martin, trainer of Golden Spear
He was entered for the County but got eliminated. He's run very well in big handicaps at Ascot and Leopardstown this season and is in good form for this step up in trip, which we don't think will be a problem.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of El Terremoto
It was very heavy at Sandown and he didn't get home over three miles. I'm hoping for much better.

Tom George, trainer of Sumkindofking
He started off the season well, winning a bumper and a novice hurdle. He ran well in a couple of graded races but has just been struggling a bit on the ground. Hopefully better ground should help him as he's by King’s Theatre.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Casper King
He won his last two well and we hope the step in trip will bring about some improvement.

Tim Vaughan, trainer of Nathans Pride
He won at Aintree in early May and had his comeback run at Kempton recently, when I thought he ran a lovely race. We are hoping for a significant amount of improvement from that.