7f | Class 5 | Standard to Slow | 3yo | 8 runners | Wednesday, 5th March 2025

The opening division of this 7f handicap for three-year-olds looks competitive on paper, but the market has latched onto Montrachet Girl, and with good reason.

Race Overview

Montrachet Girl arrives here off the back of a solid win at Southwell three weeks ago, where she overcame a positional bias and looked to have something in hand. A 3lb rise seems fair, and with Roger Varian’s strong Kempton record (25% strike rate since 2021), she sets a clear standard. She’s well drawn in Stall 1 and should get a good trip in a race that doesn’t look overloaded with early pace.

The main threat may come from Maids Head, who hasn’t been seen for over 100 days but was last seen running a strong third at Southwell, finishing clear of the remainder. Marco Botti’s runners can go well fresh, and there’s enough in her profile to suggest she’s still improving.

Blue Empress and Soldiers Star also have place claims, though recent market moves are lukewarm. Blue Empress has drifted slightly, while Soldiers Star is easing after a below-par run last time but has been gelded since, which could spark some improvement.

One horse that may be overlooked is Packetofbiscuits. He’s been running over further recently and didn’t show much last time at Wolverhampton, but the pace map suggests this return to 7f, where he can race prominently, could suit if allowed an uncontested lead from a wide draw.

Verdict

This looks a good opportunity for Montrachet Girl to follow up her latest win and continue her progress. She’s the most solid option in the race, and the market support is encouraging.

For those seeking each-way value, Maids Head has the potential to run well fresh and may still have more to come. Packetofbiscuits is a speculative option for the places if the race unfolds in his favour from the front.