Race Preview: 7:10 Kempton

This is a cracking Class 3 handicap, another qualifier for the London Mile Series, and it has drawn a high-quality field. The race features a fascinating clash between established course specialists and a host of progressive, unexposed three-year-olds who could be destined for bigger things.

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The Kempton King

• Local Hero: It’s impossible to ignore the claims of the favourite. He is a true Kempton specialist, with all three of his career wins coming at this track. He produced a career-best performance when a desperately close second over this course and distance 46 days ago in the valuable series final. That was his first run since being gelded, an operation which often brings about significant improvement. Despite a 4lb rise, he sets a very high standard based on that effort and is the one they all have to beat.

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The Up-and-Comers

This race is packed with lightly-raced three-year-olds who could still be anything.

• Blue Rc: This colt has an impressive strike rate, winning three of his five starts, including his last two. When scrambling home at Yarmouth last time, he looked as though a stronger pace would have suited him even better, suggesting there is more improvement to come. He arrives here fresh after a break and commands plenty of respect.
• Estmrar: Represents the Simon & Ed Crisford team who took this prize in 2023. This gelding looked very good when winning his maiden at Chelmsford last time out on his first start following a gelding operation and wind surgery. He now makes his handicap debut with a huge amount of potential and is a serious danger.

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Primed to Improve

• Footwork: This colt could be the one to focus on at a slightly bigger price. He looked in need of the run when finishing a good third over C&D three weeks ago (behind Cogitate but ahead of Borgi), as that was his first start in 144 days. The form of his Haydock win in May, where he comfortably beat a subsequent Royal Ascot winner, is arguably the strongest on offer. He is entitled to be much sharper today and could take a big step forward.

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Verdict

This is a quality contest with numerous chances. Local Hero‘s superb record here makes him a formidable favourite. However, at the likely prices, a chance is taken on FOOTWORK. He is entitled to improve significantly for his recent comeback run, and his form from earlier in the season is top-notch for this grade. He could be the one to cause an upset.

Local Hero is the obvious and most potent danger given his love for this track. The unexposed Estmrar, representing last year’s winning stable, could be anything on his handicap debut and completes the shortlist.

1. Footwork
2. Local Hero
3. Estmrar