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Alsakib brings smart form from the Flat
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Waistcoat better than ever back at six furlongs last time
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Shrimp Shady unexposed for top trainer/jockey combination
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13:17, Catterick - Longer trip set to suit stayer Alsakib
Catterick's novice hurdle looks a good race for the track, featuring three winners from southern yards, two of whom were successful last time out. But the penalties incurred by that trio could leave them vulnerable to Donald McCain's runner Alsakib who finished second on his only run over hurdles to date.
He showed aptitude for jumping when keeping on behind Minstrel Knight over two miles at Wetherby last month, but from what we know of him as a stayer on the Flat, the extra three furlongs here looks sure to be to his advantage.
Alsakib was smart at his best on the Flat for Andrew Balding, and while he didn't have the most solid form in 2025, the previous season he was a Group 3 winner in the Silver Cup Stakes at York. Open to improvement from his Wetherby run, he can make the most of the weight he's receiving from the top three.
Back Alsakib in the 13:17 at Catterick
17:30, Kempton - Sectional times point to Chelmsford winner Waistcoat
There's only 5 lb between top and bottom weight in Kempton's six-furlong handicap where Waistcoat looks capable of coming out on top in a tight contest for Ross Burdon's stable. He had a few different trainers before joining his current yard last summer and was soon off the mark for his new connections at Chepstow.
Waistcoat was twice beaten just a neck over seven furlongs at Kempton late last year but he got his head in front again when dropped back to six furlongs at Chelmsford ten days ago in a solid-looking race for the grade. He looked better than ever in fact, sweeping down the centre of the track to lead in the last half-furlong, and was well on top at the finish in beating Ziggy's Queen by a length and a half.
Waistcoat carries a 5 lb penalty for that win but heads the Timeform weight-adjusted ratings, while his finishing effort also earned him the 'Sectional Timing' flag.
Back Waistcoat in the 17:30 at Kempton
19:30, Kempton - Shrimp Shady shaped well last time
Unexposed four-year-old Shrimp Shady, a half-brother to his stable's useful middle-distance handicapper Scampi, makes plenty of appeal for Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy in Kempton's handicap over eleven furlongs.
He got off the mark at the second attempt as a two-year-old in a valuable novice at Windsor but was then absent for almost a year and initially struggled to build on his early promise when returning at three. But after two runs at a mile and a half, he got back on the up and shaped well when dropped back to a mile and a quarter for a handicap at Lingfield just before Christmas. Still with plenty to do two out, he had to pick his way through entering the final furlong but closed all the way to the line to finish two lengths second to Port of London who made all.
As well as the 'Horse In Focus' flag, Shrimp Shady earned the 'Sectional Timing' flag for that run. Heading the Timeform weight-adjusted ratings, the best of him probably hasn't been seen yet and he's one to be interested in.
Back Shrimp Shady in the 19:30 at Kempton