Ed Quigley: Cracking Action at Kempton

Big chances for the Nicky Henderson team to shine on Saturday

The Grade 2 Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton (2.05) looks a golden opportunity for the Seven Barrows representative MISTER FISHER to get back to winning ways. It has been a bit of a stop-start career for the eight-year old, but this looks the easiest task he has tackled for some time. He needed the run in the King George – his first start after an operation for a heart murmur, and the persistent rain in the build up really taxed his stamina over three miles. He is entitled to come on a bundle for that outing, and looks to have solid claims back at the Sunbury venue – a track that previously to his King George run, he had shown smart form at.

The Lanzarote Hurdle (2.40) looks fiercely competitive, as you would expect in a race of this nature, and the Dan Skelton trained CABOT CLIFFS looks an each-way player. The step up in trip for the five-year-old looks the key – he has looked outpaced in some hot contests all over the minimum trip; 2m5f with a bit of cut in the ground looks as though it can unlock further improvement. Bridget Andrews is in the saddle, and the combination can get in the shake-up at attractive odds.

CARIBEAN BOY made it no further than the first fence at Ascot last time out, but can bounce back to winning ways in this eight-runner Handicap Chase at 3.15. The eight-year-old hasn’t really fulfilled the early potential he demonstrated, when he slammed Fiddlerontheroof in a Grade 2 at Newbury back in 2020, but remains a type with relatively low mileage, and I am convinced three miles will see him get back to somewhere near his best. Off 145 he looks to be on a fair mark, and if James Bowen can get him in a rhythm at the head of affairs, he could take some catching.

The Classic Chase takes centre stage on Saturday afternoon at Warwick

The 3m5f encounter at Warwick (3.00) serves up a proper test of jumping and stamina, and a horse who has proven his credentials once before in regards to this exam is last year’s winner NOTACHANCE. The Alan King trained gelding has gone off the boil in recent times, but has tumbled down the weights, and now gets into this assignment back on the same mark as when successful 12 months ago. He enjoys soft ground, and no doubt will be trained to the minute for this. He looks decent value with Tom Cannon in the saddle.

Advice:

Mister Fisher, Kempton 2.05pm, 2pts win 7/4 (generally)

Cabot Cliffs, Kempton 2.40pm, 0.5pts e/w 33/1 (bet365, 5 places)

Notachance, Warwick 3.00pm, 0.5pth e/w win 11/1 (Paddy Power, 5 places)

Caribean Boy, Kempton 3.15pm, 1pt win 7/2 (generally)