Paul Nicholls: The verdict on my four Saturday runners at Kempton

Paul Nicholls
27 December 2014

Hinterland put up a career best last time out - can he build on it at Kempton?

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After a big win with Silviniaco Conti in the King George VI Chase yesterday, Paul takes us through his Saturday runners at Kempton...

"I think this slightly shorter trip on decent ground will suit Cowards Close, and I give him a decent shout in this."

12:40 Kempton
San Benedeto
Showed some fair form at around a mile on the Flat in France, albeit without winning, and made a good hurdling debut when second in a newcomers' hurdle at Auteuil back in April. The form of that race is nothing to write home about and he has taken time to bed in and strengthen up since he came to us, but he is ready to go now. We have won the last three runnings of this race and hopefully he can keep up that run, but in all honesty I'll be happy with a solid run to build on in such a good and competitive race. Runs in a tongue tie.

13:10 Kempton
Vibrato Valtat
Probably should be unbeaten in his three starts over fences, and he obviously put up his best effort yet when winning the Henry VIII at Sandown last time, where he silenced a few critics who said he couldn't quicken and then battle. The form was clearly given a boost when the third Irish Saint won at Ascot last time - even though the longer trip may have brought about improvement in that horse - and this strong-traveller must have a big chance, for all it is a competitive little race.

13:40 Kempton
Hinterland
Has had real problems with bleeding but we changed his routine a little at home and he delivered his best performance in a while when third in the Tingle Creek last time, where we tried him in a hood for the first time, too. In fact that was probably a career-best. If his past issues are behind him - and you never know if and when they will resurface - then he has a big chance here. Ideally, though, I could have done with two or three more weeks between his runs to keep him as fresh as possible.

14:15 Kempton
Cowards Close
Ran a decent race from 2lb out of the handicap when third at Cheltenham last time. I think this slightly shorter trip on decent ground will suit, and I give him a decent shout in this. He has the ability to be winning handicaps off a mark of 125 but wouldn't want too much rain.

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