Saturday 21 October 2017 11:39, UK
San Benedeto can make a successful start to his campaign in the Matchbook VIP Hurdle at Kempton.
The French import has not jumped a hurdle in public since April of last year, but was prolific over fences last season and completed a four-timer in the Grade One Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree.
He was no match for the brilliant Altior or Champion Chase hero Special Tiara in the Celebration Chase at Sandown, but ran a fine race to finish third, rounding off an excellent campaign.
With a chase rating of 155, he is not going to be easy to place this season and it is no surprise Paul Nicholls has decided to revert to the smaller obstacles for a conditions race such as this.
His hurdle mark of 150 sets the standard and with the Ditcheat handler having made a flying start to the season, San Benedeto is a confident selection.
Listed honours are also up for grabs in the Better Odds With Matchbook Novices' Hurdle.
Dan Skelton's mare Listen To The Man completed her hat-trick in a Listed handicap at Market Rasen late last month and has every chance of racking up the four-timer.
The seven-year-old has won six times from 11 starts overall, only once finishing out of the first three.
This is probably her toughest assignment to date, but her rating coupled with her mares' allowance suggests she has every chance.
Jay Kay can continue his winning spree in the Bramley Apple Handicap at Southwell.
The Karl Burke-trained eight-year-old has had a busy campaign, but appears to be thriving on it judged on recent results.
After three consecutive placed efforts in August and September, Jay Kay made all the running at Ayr and a penalty was nowhere near enough to stop him following up nine days later.
He has reserved his very best efforts for the Scottish venue, winning six times there overall, but has also claimed victory on the Fibresand at Southwell.
He is not badly handicapped on his best form and another bold bid looks assured for a yard that has enjoyed an excellent season.
Penwortham gets the nod in the Richard Gibson Memorial Handicap.
The son of Dandy Man won a valuable event at Chester not too long ago and backed that up with another sound effort on the Roodee.
He was a shade below-par at Musselburgh last time, but can be forgiven that and if he can translate his best turf form to an artificial surface he ought to make his presence felt.
Penwortham has only run twice on the all-weather and has won at Wolverhampton, which is a positive.
A strong Flat card at Leopardstown features the Group Three Killavullan Stakes.
Aidan O'Brien is well represented, but Ger Lyons thinks the world of Mcmunigal and the exciting youngster deserves his place in the field following a thoroughly impressive display at Naas.
KEMPTON: 2.10 City Dreamer, 2.40 Royal Debutante, 3.15 Listen To The Man, 3.50 Marracudja, 4.20 SAN BENEDETO (NAP), 4.50 Ramore Will, 5.20 De Rasher Counter.
LEOPARDSTOWN: 1.50 Contingent, 2.20 James Cook, 2.55 Drapers Guild, 3.30 Mcmunigal, 4.00 Cannonball, 4.30 Titus, 5.00 The Last Indian, 5.30 Emperor Waltz.
SOUTHWELL: 1.30 Jay Kay, 2.00 Quiet Moment, 2.30 Bo Selecta, 3.05 Penwortham, 3.40 Rafaaf, 4.10 Le Laitier, 4.40 Musharrif, 5.10 Gold Merlion.
DOUBLE: San Benedeto and Jay Kay.
