You could almost be in Bahrain…
Kempton. Floodlit sport. A lake (sort of…) opposite the Grandstand. The track sweeping away and around and into the middle distance. Mild for the time of year…
Actually, thinking about it, a massive leap of imagination is required to compare an evening of betting shop fodder with the gilded sport in The Kingdom that we are about to experience…
But Kempton and the other all weather circuits serve a purpose. And when that “purpose” drops your way, it becomes a happy hunting ground…
No calls to prayer drifting across the desert from high minarets. Just bonkers fireworks setting off 50 yards or so from the Paddock. Cool racehorses taking it all in their stride…
LONGLAI running better than his finishing position suggests. They went mad quick early on and he was dragged a little out of his comfort zone. An even pace and a step up to a mile and a pound or two from the handicapper (who is obviously on several Christmas card lists…) will see him in a better light next time…
And then CALAFRIO on her first run for us. A wind operation by the hugely respected Ben Brain and a tweak or three since she landed with us from Yorkshire. Patient owners giving her and us a chance. Breaking well from the stalls and always travelling well under Neil. Taking it up at the furlong pole and easing home in decent style…
I hope that the handicapper (who is on the Christmas card list…) is not too harsh. The 10 day break for flat racing means that the option of a quick run back with a penalty is not there…
Huge congratulations to winning owners Ged and Yvonne Hill and family – their first runner with us, and on son Josh’s birthday. We had better draw stumps there…
No runners today. Not much left to run as those embers continue to flicker away…
https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/the-racing/race-replays/#unibet_supports_safer_gambling_handicap
