NAP
Kempton - 20:10 - Back Balhambar
Balhambar only made his debut in April last year and he shaped well behind some smart types on his first two starts, before opening his account over a mile and a quarter at Chepstow where he beat a now-smart filly.
He was asked to contest the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot on his final start and, while he finished nearer last than first, he wasn't beaten too far, and that isn't a fair race to judge him on, either. He wasn't well positioned from a wide draw but was the second fastest horse in the last three furlongs and he is almost certainly a well-handicapped horse on his return to action following a gelding operation. Balhambar is just the type his trainer excels with and he makes plenty of appeal.
NEXT BEST
Kempton - 19:40 - Back Solar Orbiter
Solar Orbiter made plenty of appeal on paper in a weak event on his debut at Newcastle in September and he duly landed the odds in style, travelling comfortably and showing a striking turn of foot when asked to put the race to bed.
He was well placed to follow up under a penalty over six furlongs at this course just two weeks later, again not having much to beat but still doing the job in the style of a useful prospect. The handicapper has taken no chances with an opening mark of 85, but Solar Orbiter appeals as the type that will go on progressing for a while yet, and he is expected to prove too good for these more exposed rivals.