15 October 2025

The closing middle-distance handicap on the Kempton card shapes as a useful betting puzzle rather than a scrap between exposed types. There’s a blend of in-form handicappers, progressive three-year-olds, and a few older runners hinting at revival.

Race Context

Kempton’s 1m3f219y trip favours those who travel smoothly and can quicken off the bend. There’s little draw bias, but tactical placement is everything. Hibernate and Sir Patchy look the likely pace angles, with Blue Train, Buxted Too, and Glint Of Light poised to stalk. The danger is a stop–start tempo: sit too far back and you’ll struggle to reel them in.

Key Runners

Blue Train (Richard Hughes) – The one most likely to progress. He looked straightforward when winning here last time and handles Polytrack well. Still learning but open to further improvement, and Rossa Ryan is an ideal partner for another front-half ride.

Buxted Too (Ian Williams) – Proven on the surface and dropping into a winnable Class 6 after a few turf spins. He’s a proper all-weather horse, and the booking of Silvestre de Sousa signals intent. Fitness and pace setup both key to his chance.

Gretna Dreams (Mark Usher) – Comes here chasing a hat-trick after back-to-back wins. Has looked transformed since joining this yard and shapes as though the extra yardage will help. Drawn wide, but her strong finish gives her a clear place claim.

Glint Of Light (Clive Cox) – By Cracksman and bred to stay. She’s improved with racing and may well find extra over this trip, but she’ll need luck from stall 11. If she tucks in and gets cover, she’s capable of landing a blow.

Photon (Tony Carroll) – A long-time maiden who’s been running to fair marks in better races. Capable of grabbing a slice if they go a stride too quick early.

Sir Patchy (Bill Turner) – Ran a bold race here last time after over a year off. From the inside draw, expect him to hold a handy spot again. Lightly raced and could be dangerous if allowed to dictate.

Others

Hedonista and Chicago Storm look held by the handicapper at present, while Marchetti, Bintnouf, and Madeleine Moonshot need a significant leap forward.

Tactical View

The likely pattern sees Sir Patchy and Hibernate forcing a steady-to-even tempo. That setup suits Blue Train and Buxted Too, who can sit close without pulling, and may blunt the finishing runs of deeper closers like Photon.

Verdict

There’s not much separating the top four on adjusted ratings, but Blue Train holds the right combination of track form, tactical speed, and scope for improvement. Buxted Too is the danger if the race develops into a grind, while Gretna Dreams offers the best each-way appeal from a yard in form.

1st – Blue Train
2nd – Buxted Too
3rd – Gretna Dreams
4th – Glint Of Light

Private Tissue (100% Book)

• Blue Train – 7/2
• Buxted Too – 4/1
• Gretna Dreams – 11/2
• Glint Of Light – 13/2
• Photon – 8/1
• Sir Patchy – 12/1
• Hibernate – 10/1
• Others – 16/1+

Summary

A tightly knit staying handicap where race shape will dictate outcomes. Blue Train is the pick on progressive profile and recent course win, but the returning Buxted Too has the class to capitalise if the pace collapses. For those looking for each-way value, Gretna Dreams fits the bill.