Wed 17th Jan 2024
7.00 Kempton (9 runners)
Bet At racingtv.com Handicap
7f (1540 yards)
Class 6, Standard To Slow, 3yo, Win: £3140

While Havanarama had some regressive performances in four turf races last year, there are a few factors that may suggest a potential improvement on this horse’s reappearance. Havanarama has undergone a gelding operation and will be wearing a hood for the first time in this race. Additionally, the switch to the all-weather track may also work in Havanarama’s favour. His stable is in red hot form with 5 wins from 11 runners in the last14 days.It’s worth noting that Havanarama was upset in the stalls and withdrawn from a race at Wolverhampton in November. However, with a relatively high ranking and these new conditions in place, Havanarama cannot be completely overlooked and can be a potential contender in this race.

Havana Smoke is a six-race maiden who ran well last week when he finished as a close second after being dropped to this grade and upped to 7 furlongs. He is relatively unexposed at this trip and should be respected off the same mark.

Inbetweenus is making his handicap debut and has shown promising efforts, finishing fifth over 7 furlongs at both Goodwood and Chelmsford. With the addition of headgear and a return to this distance, he may show further progress and could be an interesting contender in this race.

Chapman was a below-par favuorite who was recently upped to 1 mile from 6 furlongs. Although he has yet to win a race in his 7 attempts, there is a possibility he may perform better with the new trip and change of headgear.

Tea Leaf Ted has shown improved form in his recent races on the all-weather track while wearing cheekpieces. He narrowly missed out on a win last week and holds solid claims in this race.

Compton Bay, an eight-race maiden, showed his best effort on the all-weather track when he finished second over the same course and distance as this race. With that form in mind, he has a good chance to perform well here.

Ventura Empress weakened to fifth on her handicap debut over 1 mile but may improve back at 7 furlongs. With the addition of headgear, she could be one to consider.