Today's Racing Tips: It could be game, set and match for Gooloogong at Kempton

Kempton, 19.13 - Back Caprelo @ 11/26.50

1 (3)

Caprelo

• J: Tom Marquand
• T: Hughie Morrison
• F: 5163102-4

• SBK 9/2
• EXC 1.18

Having been at Goodwood when Caprelo made his return to action, I can confirm the Timeform view that the five-year-old looked in need of the outing physically on his first start back.

There was no disgrace in the 11-length defeat either as the race itself was run at a strong pace and the winner, Bahadur, has acquitted himself well at Royal Ascot (received a modest ride) before finishing in the frame in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle.

Caprelo was eased a little by the assessor for his Goodwood comeback and the return to Kempton should be ideal with his figures in handicap at today's venue reading 1205112, while his two career best efforts were both achieved over course and distance.

Kempton, 19.13 - Back Gooloogong @ 7/24.50

6 (4)

Gooloogong (Ire)

• J: Neil Callan
• T: George Baker
• F: 540/713-14

• SBK 7/2
• EXC 4.6

Sharing the name of the multiple Major winning Australian tennis player of the 70s, Evonne, Gooloogong also looks worth supporting on his return to a track which plays to his strengths.

Cleverly named (sire is Australia) by Sue Magnier at the beginning of a Ballydoyle career which yielded a Navan maiden win before he was shipped out, the selection was picked up from John Halley a couple of summers ago and has proved an excellent duel-purpose performer for his connections ever since.

Gooloogong even won over hurdles in the winter to supplement his two flat successes at this track and a mini break may have freshened him up nicely for this assignment.  

Fairyhouse, 20.00 - Back Glory To Be @ SP

6 (2)

Glory To Be (Ire)

• J: W. M. Lordan
• T: M. C. Grassick, Ireland
• F: 10-217952

• SBK 5/4
• EXC 1.1

Glory To Be looks ready for a step back up to seven furlongs in this handicap and she ought to go close following an encouraging performance last time.

The Cotai Glory filly hit the line strongly in a similar handicap at this track last week when recording the second best finishing speed percentage in the race according to the RaceiQ metrics.

Her previous start over seven furlongs saw her race too prominently and keenly and she was never given the chance to see out the trip, but I'm hoping Wayne Lordan rides for luck from stall two here, even if it could be a white knuckle ride for her supporters with the potential for traffic issues.  

Now read more horse racing columns here