Race Shape & Context
A truly run Grade 1 over 3m on good ground, evidenced by a winning time 4.36s faster than standard. No hiding place here. The field strung out, stamina and jumping exposed, and the winner was in the perfect tactical spot from flagfall.
Winner: Kitzbuhel (13/8F)
RPR 157 | TS 147 | OR 153
This was authoritative.
- Market: Strong favourite and fully justified it.
- Run style: Travelled strongly, jumped well, made all — crucially, never under pressure.
- Figures: RPR 157 is a clear career best and comfortably the top number on the page.
- Sectional reality: Making all in a fast-run 3m novice chase at Kempton is no small feat.
This wasn’t just a case of others underperforming — he imposed himself. The TS backs it up: he sustained a strong gallop without fading, and his jumping efficiency allowed him to control the race rhythm.
Verdict: A proper staying novice chaser. Looks Gold Cup novice material, not just a Kempton specialist. Sets a clear standard for the division.
2nd: Thomas Mor (12/1)
RPR 152 | TS 145 | OR 142
A big run at a price.
- Market: Weak in the betting, but outran it significantly.
- Run style: Tracked the pace, moved into second after 4 out, kept on honestly.
- Figures: RPR 152 suggests this is no fluke — he ran to a level close to Salver and Wendigo.
He was never troubling the winner, but he stayed on strongly in a fast time, which matters. This was a step up from his previous form and confirms him as a solid Grade 1 placer, even if winning one looks tougher.
Verdict: Reliable stayer, limited ceiling but very honest. Ideal for deep Grade 1 fields where others fail.
3rd: Wendigo (5/2)
RPR 151 | TS 144 | OR 147
A slightly frustrating run.
- Market: Well-backed, expected to be bang there.
- Run style: Outpaced 5 out, jumped left, had to be corrected late.
- Finish: Stayed on strongly once straightened up.
The leftward jumping at Kempton hurt him badly — this track punished that. Despite that, his closing effort still produced a strong RPR. This wasn’t a bad run, but it was an inefficient one.
Verdict: Better than the result. Right-handed tracks and a cleaner round will suit. Still firmly in the Grade 1 conversation.
4th: Salver (7/2)
RPR 152 | TS 143 | OR 148
Respectable but slightly underwhelming.
- Market: Solid support but drifted late.
- Jumping: Not fluent early or mid-race — that told.
- Run-in: No extra when the race lifted.
The RPR says he ran close to his best, but visually he never really threatened. In a fast, aggressive Grade 1, his jumping lacked the sharpness needed.
Verdict: Consistent but just short of elite at this level. May need softer ground or a more attritional race.
The Others
Blueking d’Oroux (12/1)
RPR 132 | TS 125
- Prominent early but folded quickly once pressure applied.
- Big drop-off from previous ratings.
Verdict: This exposed stamina and/or class limitations. Hard to fancy at top Grade 1 level.
Crest Of Fortune (12/1)
RPR 120 | TS 109
- Jumping errors throughout.
- Bled from the nose — important context.
Verdict: Write this off. Needs time and a clean bill of health before reassessment.
Overall Race Verdict
- Strong Grade 1 in terms of time and depth.
- Winner clearly superior on the day and on the figures.
- Placed horses ran to legitimate Grade 1 ratings, not inflated ones.
- Jumping accuracy and tactical positioning were decisive — Kempton rewarded efficiency, not grinders.
Bottom line:
Kitzbuhel didn’t just win — he controlled and dominated a properly run Grade 1. The rest sorted themselves out honestly behind him, but none looked capable of laying a glove on him under these conditions.
TimeWise Chronicles 
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