'We've been waiting for better ground' - analysis and quotes for Kempton chase

Saturday: 3.15 Kempton
Virgin Bet Handicap Chase | 2m4½f | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

Manofthemountain was second in the inaugural running of this 2m4½f handicap chase last year and bids to go one better with similarly quick ground conditions that suit.

Like last season, Manofthemountain has not been seen for a few months going into Kempton. That is no inconvenience for him as his record in chases following breaks of 81 days or more is 1122. The problem is he is nine now and runs off 8lb higher than last year in a race with several intriguing opponents.

Pistol Whipped is the class horse in the field having been sent off just 6-1 for the 1965 Chase at Ascot last time. He was pulled up there but was the youngest horse in a Grade 2 consisting of Grade 1-winning household names Lostintranslation, Dashel Drasher and Defi Du Seuil.

He found that company a little too hot and it is a concern he bled from the nose, although Nicky Henderson's decision to run him in such a hot race is interesting. He should be on anyone’s shortlist back in a handicap with the yard in form.

The same is true for Venetia Williams’ stable and Espoir De Guye is the early favourite. Williams had form figures of F1623431552 at the Cheltenham Festival and Espoir De Guye has also been thriving of late.

He dismissed the well-handicapped Alnadam on heavy going in great style last time but this ground has to be a concern.

Espoir De Guye has never run on anything quicker than good to soft and he rates a market leader more likely to drift than shorten.

After a poor display in the 3m Sky Bet Handicap Chase on his return, Debece delivered more over half a mile shorter on his next outing at Newcastle. He remains feasibly treated off an unchanged mark of 132.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

Williams hoping to strike with her Guye

It's been a memorable Cheltenham for Venetia Williams and many will expect the in-form trainer to round off the week by landing this £60,000 prize with Espoir De Guye.

The eight-year-old may not be in the same class as L'Homme Presse, but he's a most likeable type with an excellent strike-rate of four wins from nine starts over fences.

Espoir De Guye (right) is about to pass Alnadam in the 2m4f handicap chase at WarwickCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Espoir De Guye looked better than ever on his first start since undergoing wind surgery at Warwick last month, bolting up by seven lengths from Alnadam, and a 4lb rise does not look harsh.

Williams said: "He could do with a drop of rain, but it doesn't appear we're going to get it now. It looks a competitive race but he'll give a good account."

What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Diego Du Charmil
He ran very well last time. He was in front and looked like he was going to win but didn't quite get home. A flatter, easier track will suit him.

Emma Lavelle, trainer of Manofthemountain and Killer Clown
They're similar horses – solid types who'll both love the ground. Manofthemountain has enjoyed a nice break. We've been waiting for the better ground with him as there are lots of nice spring targets. He’s fresh and well and I've been very happy with his preparation. Killer Clown got away with soft ground when winning at Wincanton. He couldn't handle the very soft, holding ground at Ascot last time, but he's come back fresh. He has won round Kempton and seems in really good order.

Jeremy Scott, trainer of Native Robin
We have very limited options with him now. He's so good round Wincanton and has won his last three races there. Kempton on good ground might be a bit quick for him but he goes there in the form of his life. The handicapper hasn't been overly kind with him, though.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Debece
I think he likes this trip and the ground a little bit nicer under his feet, so this is fine. It's very competitive but he's in good form.

Nick Gifford, trainer of Paddy's Poem
He'll love the ground and James [Davies] says he wants two and a half miles now. I'm under no illusions about the task he faces; if he grabs a place I'll be delighted. I thought he might be a Topham horse at the start of the season, but his main target now is the Sussex Champion Chase at Plumpton and I need to get a run into him before that.

Richard Rowe, trainer of Up The Straight
The faster the ground the better for him. He's run on some atrocious ground and not finished off his races as a result. He's very well handicapped and won at this Kempton meeting over hurdles two years ago.
Reporting by Richard Birch

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