Race Preview: 7:40 Kempton

The feature race of the evening is this high-quality Class 2 handicap, a qualifier for the London Stayers’ Series. Run over a true test of 2 miles on a “Standard To Slow” surface, this fascinating contest pits a group of tough, seasoned stayers against a pair of younger, progressive rivals.

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The Unexposed Stayer

• Dramatic Star: The market is headed by the horse with the most potential for improvement. This lightly-raced 4-year-old from the powerful William Haggas stable has a pedigree that is crying out for this step up in trip. He is by the elite stallion Sea The Stars, and his dam was a winner over 1m6f.He ran a fine race when second in the valuable Old Borough Cup at Haydock (1m6f) and can be forgiven a slightly disappointing subsequent run. Making only his second start on the all-weather (he won his first), he looks the type to be a completely different animal over this new distance and is the most likely winner.

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The C&D Specialist 3YO

• Synergism: Representing the master trainer of stayers, Sir Mark Prescott, this rapidly improving three-year-old is a major threat. He has been a revelation since being stepped up in trip, winning two races over this exact course and distance (C&D) in August. As a 3-year-old, he receives a crucial 7lb weight-for-age allowance from his older rivals, which makes him very dangerous indeed.

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The Seasoned Campaigners

• Prydwen: A wonderfully tough and consistent performer with a fantastic record on the all-weather (6 wins from 13 starts). He was agonisingly caught in the final strides over 2m at Chester last time out after a very game front-running display. He will give it his all but has the tough task of carrying top weight against some less exposed rivals.
• Duke Of Oxford: You can never discount this horse at Kempton. He has won twice over this C&D, including off a 1lb lower mark this time last year, and was third in this very race in 2024. Crucially, he goes well fresh, so his 116-day absence is of no concern. He looks an excellent each-way player.

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Verdict

This is a top-quality handicap. While the proven course form of Synergism and Duke Of Oxford is compelling, the untapped potential of DRAMATIC STAR is hard to ignore. His pedigree strongly suggests this 2-mile trip will bring out the best in him, and he represents a stable that excels with this type of horse. He can prove a class above these.

Synergism receives a hefty 7lb from his elders and is the most obvious danger. The returning C&D specialist Duke Of Oxford is the pick of the rest for those looking for each-way value.

1. Dramatic Star
2. Synergism
3. Duke Of Oxford