took keen hold, held up in rear, no impression final 3f
always prominent, pushed along 5f out, chased winner but no impression final 2f
held up in mid-division, kept on steadily final 2f but not troubled leaders
prominent, chased winner over 4f out, hard ridden, stayed on same pace final 2f
soon tailed off virtually pulled up final 7f
prominent to halfway, soon lost place and behind
led after 6f, ridden over 2f out, clear final 2f, very easily
close up, under pressure 3f out, soon beaten
held up towards rear, headway and in touch halfway, one pace under pressure and no impression final 2f
pulled hard, led to 10f out, soon driven and lost touch, tailed off
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, stayed on same pace final 2f
held up in rear, struggling final 3f
held up in rear, well behind final 3f
in rear, some headway from over 2f out but never dangerous
As you would expect in a Kempton bumper some top stables are represented, and Autumn Red, Optimo and Ballistigo are all worthy of respect, but we will side with the Henrietta Knight trained Charming Fellow. The selection is improving with each outing and looks set for victory here. His latest outing was at Ludlow where he was just run out of it be Valley Pride, with that experience behind him should be the one top beat. Ballistigo contested a very competitive bumper at Huntingdon in December and wasn't disgraced. With the stable now returning to form he could be a big danger. Paul Webber does very well in these events and so Autumn Red, a well bred son of Zaffaran should be watched closely in the betting market. The same applies to the Gary Moore trained Optimo who cost 40 thousand Euros. King Alfred carries a winners penalty and may find it difficult to follow up, but should still be in the shake up, however Charming Fellow can make his experience pay and he should be the one to collect first prize.
