The eagerly anticipated return of Shishkin headlines day two of the Christmas Festival at Kempton Park on Monday afternoon.
Nicky Henderson’s charge is the star name in the Desert Orchid Chase, with racing at Kempton from 12.45pm-3.40pm on ‘soft’ ground.
You can watch all the action – as well as every race from the UK and Ireland – via live streaming when logged into MansionBet and our tipster has a race-by-race look at today’s Kempton card.
12.45 – Ladbrokes We Play Together Introductory Juvenile Hurdle (2m)
Alan King has won this contest twice in the last six years, both times with hurdling newcomers, and the Barbury Castle trainer has another likely sort in RESTITUTION now.
The Frankel gelding won a Yarmouth maiden for John Gosden in April and has shaped well in two all-weather runs in the autumn for his new handler.
French imports Iceo (Paul Nicholls) and Illico Des Places (Tom Symonds) are rated key dangers.
Selection: Restitution @ 9/2
1.20 – Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase (Grade 2, 2m)
King’s fortunes could rise still further here with impressive Henry VIII Novices’ Chase scorer EDWARDSTONE difficult to oppose.
He trounced some good opposition in that Sandown Grade 1 at the start of the month and would likely be 3-3 over fences had he not been brought down on debut at Warwick in November, in a contest won by today’s rival Do Your Job.
Edwardstone gives 5lb to the field today, but it shouldn’t halt him.
Selection: Edwardstone @ 4/9
1.55 – Play Ladbrokes 5-A-Side On Football Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (3m½f)
TEQUILA BLAZE had a good few of these rivals behind when she won at Ascot last month. She was patiently ridden in that contest and got to the lead going easily, winning by the best part of five-lengths in the end.
A 5lb rise looks more than fair for that winning handicap bow and, with Liam Harrison easing her burden, another win may beckon for Fergal O’Brien’s charge.
Selection: Tequila Blaze @ 4/1
2.30 – Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase (Grade 2, 2m)
Greaneteen won the Tingle Creek at Sandown three weeks ago from stablemate Hitman, causing a surprise in doing so.
He may do well to follow up, but he’ll certainly be lurking if there are any cobwebs on SHISHKIN. He maintained his perfect chasing record with spring successes at Cheltenham and Aintree (5-5 now) and is returning to step outside of novice company.
Nicky Henderson has made it known it’s been anything but plain sailing getting him here, but we can be sure he’s ready now that he’s back at the racecourse and it would be a letdown to see him defeated.
Selection: Shishkin @ 4/9
3.10 – Play Ladbrokes 1-2-Free On Football Handicap Chase (3m)
Lots of these have some questions against them. Dan Skelton’s FLEGMATIK was only fourth at Ascot on his comeback but he was outpaced there over 2m5f before rallying late in the piece.
He had a couple of goes at this trip in the spring and they certainly offered hope he can win staying chases. He should be better suited with a run behind him going back up in trip.
Selection: Flegmatik @ 7/1
3.40 – Ladbrokes Committed To Safer Gambling Handicap Hurdle (2m)
Captain Morgs has twice benefitted from dropping to this sort of trip lately for Nicky Henderson, winning at Ascot in November then finishing second in a Listed event at Newbury a week later. He should be competitive again.
THE WIDDOW MAKER should make a bold bid from the front after a winning seasonal return at Wincanton this month – Colin Tizzard’s charge was very much in control at the finish line and has more to offer from this increased mark.
Selection: The Widdow Maker @ 12/1
*All odds correct at time of writing