Proven all-weather form could prove key in competitive Kempton handicap - analysis and trainer quotes

Plenty of the eight-runner field have recent form that gives them a chance in this 7f event, but a proven liking for a synthetic surface is usually the place to start when trying to unpick competitive handicaps on the all-weather.

None hold stronger claims on that front than Grand Traverse, who took his unbeaten record on the all-weather to two with a comfortable victory over course and distance last week.

He carries a 5lb penalty for that success, but he’s recorded Racing Post Ratings of 101 and 99 on a synthetic surface, which suggests his mark of 92 isn’t beyond him. A draw in stall four also looks ideal for this prominent racer. He looks the one to beat.

The fitting of a hood has seen improvement from Dubai Beach, who won all-weather handicaps at Kempton and Chelmsford before being turned over as the 4-11 favourite back here in June.

It’s easy to forgive her latest effort on turf, given she was repeatedly denied a clear run, but she’s 13lb higher than her last winning mark and would benefit from a good pace to run at, which is not guaranteed.

A lack of pace would also be a concern for Tennessee Gold, who has won two of his three starts at Kempton. He looks well treated back on the all-weather, having improved his RPR with each run on turf this season.

Cadarn flopped when bidding for a hat-trick at York last time, but that run was too bad to be true. He was progressing well before that and has form on the all-weather, although he doesn’t look to be crying out for this drop in trip.
Analysis by Harry Wilson

What they say 

Luke Morris, rider of Grand Traverse
He seems well-suited to the all-weather and is two from two on it. He appeared to enjoy the surface last time at Kempton, which is riding slow at the moment, and he's a horse that needs cut in the ground on turf. Archie Watson [trainer] has indicated he has come out of that in great shape and hopefully he can follow up.

George Boughey, trainer of Cadarn
He’s back from a break and ready to kick on again after some nice work on the all-weather surfaces.

Tim Palin, spokesman for Middleham Park Racing, owners of Lexington Belle
She adores soft ground for which we've been waiting for to no avail all spring and all summer, so we've decided to top her fitness levels up by running her on the all-weather. Whether she’s as effective on the artificial surface is open to question, but hopefully she can go on from this to find some soft on the turf.

Joe Parr, trainer of Tennessee Gold
He stood on a nail in the field a while ago, which is why he’s had an interrupted prep. He ran a decent race at Sandown last time, considering he needed the run. Whether this race pans out for him is another matter, but we're happy with him going into it.

Rod Millman, trainer of Tadreeb
This is a better class of race than he usually runs in, but he’s a consistent horse who ran well last time and should do so again.
Reporting by David Milnes

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