Longsdon hoping to carry off some silver on consolation card

The four days of the Cheltenham Festival can provide only 28 winners, so inevitably lots of connections are left disappointed.

But in racing there is always another opportunity around the corner, and Charlie Longsdon is hoping to take advantage of Kempton's two main highlights on its Silver Cups card.

The Matchbook Racing Is Commission Free Silver Plate Handicap Hurdle (2.40) and Matchbook Silver Bowl Handicap Chase (3.15) are the main pair of prizes on offer, and Longsdon has a contender for each.

Having finished second to subsequent Scilly Isles winner and JLT runner-up Terrefort at Huntingdon two starts ago, Bentelimar boasts some useful form, and Longsdon is hopeful of a good showing from the nine-year-old in the Silver Bowl.

"I was a bit gutted he got balloted out at Cheltenham, he was in for three of the handicap chases and could have been reserve twice," he said.

"I said all the way along if he got balloted out he'd have a very good chance in this race. Terrefort comfortably beat him at Huntingdon but we were giving him weight and were way clear of the rest. That form is very strong and this is a good prize."

Longsdon's other runner, Treackle Tart, could have been involved at Cheltenham on Friday, but the trainer preferred to wait for Kempton.

"She was potentially first reserve for the Martin Pipe but I turned it down as I think she'll prefer the track and slightly nicer ground at Kempton," Longsdon added.

"She's an ultra-tough mare and would have a little each-way chance."

Present and correct

Neil Mulholland also has a contender for each race, with Solomn Grundy aiming to go one better in the Silver Plate after a string of runner-up efforts.

The eight-year-old has undergone wind surgery since his last run behind Lovenormoney at Exeter last month, and Mulholland said: "I think he should run well. It looks a competitive race but hopefully he can be competitive in it."

In the Silver Bowl, Minella Present has his first start for 657 days, having not been sighted since a handicap chase win at Uttoxeter in May 2016.

"I'm sure the run will leave him right but he's in as good a shape as we can get him," Mulholland added.

Tom George was forced to rule out Gold Cup hopeful Double Shuffle on Friday morning, the horse having not eaten up, and will be hoping for better luck in the Silver Bowl, a race he won last year with Max Ward.

The trainer has a pair of chances, Brandon Hill and Bun Doran, and Bun Doran carries the colours the colours of the Crossed Fingers Partnership, owners of Double Shuffle.

Kempton card

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