Timeform Shortlist: Kempton, Tuesday December 26

12.45 32Red Casino Novices' Hurdle (2) 2m

Timeform Top Rated:
148P 1. IF THE CAP FITS Harry Fry Noel Fehily
147p 7. SIMPLY THE BETTS Harry Whittington B. J. Cooper
143p 4. SOLOMON GREY Dan Skelton Harry Skelton

Analyst's Verdict:
If The Cap Fits rates a potentially smart novice in the making, and he's taken to maintain his unbeaten start over timber. Simply The Betts is sure to improve from a promising debut at Newbury earlier this month, while Diese des Bieffes is another with lots of potential as a hurdler.


1.20 32Red.com Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap) (3) 2½m110y

Timeform Top Rated:
155p 8. MISTER WHITAKER Mick Channon A. P. Heskin
154 3. THEO'S CHARM Nick Gifford Jonathan Burke
151 4. TOUCH KICK Paul Nicholls Sam Twiston-Davies

Analyst's Verdict:
Mister Whitaker confirmed the promise of his chase debut effort with a most polished display at Carlisle last month, travelling smoothly and staying on strongly to score with a bit in hand. He likely has more to come and gets the nod to follow up. Fellow last-time-out winner Touch Kick and the returning Reigning Supreme head the dangers.


1.55 32Red Kauto Star Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (1) 3m

Timeform Top Rated:
168p 7. MIA'S STORM Alan King Wayne Hutchinson
163 2. BLACK CORTON Paul Nicholls Bryony Frost
161p 1. BALLYOPTIC Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies

Analyst's Verdict:
Plenty of collateral form to consider. Mia's Storm got the better of Elegant Escape when making a winning debut over fences at Chepstow, and has since bettered that form when taking a listed event in good style at Market Rasen, so boasts solid claims. Black Corton was just edged out by Elegant Escape in a Grade 2 at Newbury but is 3 lb better off with that one now.


2.30 Unibet Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) (1) 2m

Timeform Top Rated:
184 1. BUVEUR D'AIR Nicky Henderson Barry Geraghty
177x 5. THE NEW ONE Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies
165 4. OLD GUARD Paul Nicholls Bryony Frost

Analyst's Verdict:
Hard to oppose last season's Champion Hurdler Buveur d'Air, who easily landed the odds in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle on his return, and is expected to do the same here. The New One has finished runners-up in 3 of the last 4 renewals and can fill second spot again.


3.05 32Red King George Vi Chase (Grade 1) (1) 3m

Timeform Top Rated:
185 4. MIGHT BITE Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville
184+ 1. BRISTOL DE MAI Nigel Twiston-Davies Daryl Jacob
184 6. THISTLECRACK Colin Tizzard Tom Scudamore

Analyst's Verdict:
Whisper found Might Bite too strong in Grade 1 novices last spring but his excellent weight-carrying performance in the Ladbroke suggests he's returned in even better form and he might represent a bit of value to turn the tables on his stablemate. Fox Norton leaves the impression he could stay this trip and merits respect, while Bristol de Mai would very much come into it if the ground eases.


3.40 32Red Download The App Handicap Hurdle (3) 2m5f

Timeform Top Rated:
152 11. GOLAN FORTUNE Phil Middleton Mr Tommie M. O'Brien (5)
151 5. JALEO Ben Pauling Mr Alex Ferguson (7)
150 10. MIDNIGHT MAESTRO Alan King Barry Geraghty

Analyst's Verdict:
Golan Fortune escapes a penalty for his battling win at Ascot on Friday so stands an obvious chance if he can handle 2 outings in quick succession. There are plenty of dangers in a very competitive finale, headed by Connetable, Kildisart, Midnight Maestro and Jaleo.