We head to Brighton first for the mile handicap (16:10). Everything clicked for Sword of The Lord last week when he registered a comfortable success over C&D. Having tanked along for much of the race the manner in which he quickened suggested he was value for more than the eventual winning distance of two-and-three-quarter lengths. He has to shoulder a 6 lb rise as a result, but that may not be enough to prevent the follow-up. Magic Lando didn't get home in this headgear over a longer trip at Wolverhampton last time, and he may pose the biggest threat to the selection now dropped back in trip.
We head to Kempton next where another mile handicap (17:50) is under consideration and it looks a competitive contest with five last-time-out winners participating. However Hiking looks the best of the bunch; she was impressive against modest rivals in her debut at Windsor in June, but the manner in which she broke Lingfield's track record (over the straight seven furlongs) in a novice stakes in August was that of a potentially smart performer. Although this is her first time at a mile her pedigree (dam was a winner over 10 furlongs) suggests she shouldn't have a problem staying the trip and is expected to continue her unbeaten run. As alluded to previously there are plenty of dangers, headed by Crowley's Law who was impressive at Beverley last time and Spiritual Flame who looks well-handicapped.
Staying on the synthetic surface for today's final bet, the six-furlong nursery (19:20) is another contest which catches the eye. The nod goes to Dutch Interior who shaped in the manner of a horse with plenty left to give when landing a maiden here last month. He finished particularly strongly, suggesting the extra furlong today will be well within his grasp and may even bring about an improved performance. The gap between the top two in the flat jockey's championship is down to just 13, and with Ryan Moore in the saddle for his father Gary and Richard Hughes aboard market rival Musicora it should provide an interesting subplot to the race. Others to consider are Meritocracy and Rosso Corsa both of whom look to be on fair marks on the back of what they have achieved thus far.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Sword of The Lord @ 1.84/5 in the 16:10 at Brighton
Back Hiking at 3.8514/5 in the 17:50 at Kempton
Back Dutch Interior @ 4.216/5in the 19:20 at Kempton
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