Timeform Daily: Wednesday 18th February, 7:50, Kempton

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 17 February 2009 / Leave a Comment

Eight go to post for the digibet Claiming Stakes over a mile-and-a-half.

King's Head is well clear on Timeform ratings. He didn't need to be at his best when winning a six-runner claimer here last time when beating La Estrella one-and-a-quarter lengths. Although he showed further evidence of his quirks that day when carrying his head awkwardly, he has plenty in hand on Timeform ratings and should go close.

Profit's Reality was back to form when in the frame at Kempton and Great Leighs in January, although has been disappointing on both starts since. He finished last of six behind King's Head at Kempton on the latest, facing a stiff task at the weights but only making a brief move out wide before capitulating.

Jeff Pearce's Quince finished fourth behind King's Head in the aforementioned Kempton race and that was yet another respectable run in the frame from the Fruits of Love gelding. However, has plenty to find to turn around the form with Gary Moore's runner.

Cossack Prince won a handicap at this course in October on his first start for current connections. He possibly forced an overly-strong pace when next seen in a similar event at Lingfield nearly three months later and this drop down in grade should see him go close, although he has an inconsistent profile.

Bernabeu has put in good efforts on his last two starts, and was possibly unlucky under an inexperienced claimer when a neck second to Ben Bacchus in a claimer at this track on the latter occasion, readily making headway but giving the impression he would be suited by stronger handling. With Jack Doyle back in the saddle, he should give a good account.

Celticello ran poorly on his fibresand debut in a claimer at Southwell last time, having finished third in a handicap over course and distance on his penultimate start. He is usually patiently ridden and is fit from a spell over hurdles.

Krugerrand is unproven over this distance and his in-and-out form means he is not one to trust. He ran poorly on return from three months off at Lingfield last time and has been slowly away.

St. Savarain has looked on the downgrade of late and is one to avoid at present.