The Inside Track

National Hunt Analysis - David Matthews

 

1520 Kempton

 

2pt win Fine Parchment 10/1

 

Fine Parchment is the pick of the day. His last run at Aintree on heavy going can safely be ignored and he should be judged on his run in an extremely competitive renewal of the Paddy Power in November. Whilst eventually well beaten, he was bang there 2 out despite racing from out of the handicap and weakened late on in a truly run race. Just 5 pounds higher than when winning a competitive race at Newbury last season this excellent jumper looks to have more improvement in him and should go well in an average looking race and a track that should suit.

 

1450 Kempton

 

1pt win Ohio Gold 11/1

1pt win Well Regarded 9/1

 

A fiercely competitve looking Lanzarote hurdle offers up some value in the shape of Ohio Gold and Well Regarded. If Ohio Gold can run to the form that he did at the festival last March it would make his handicap mark look very attractive. An couple of encouraging runs have been followed by 2 bloodless and confidence boosting victories and he looks a horse who could potentially have a real touch of class about him. Well regarded ran a blinder behind Fingal Bay and subsequent winner Barbatos at Cheltenham in November and whilst he was slightly disappointing last time, the step back up to 2m5f and the assistance of Dougie Costello in the saddle should see him back to his best.

 

1540 Warwick

 

1pt win  Fortification 14/1

 

Finally, in a tricky looking Classic chase at Warwick it's worth taking a chance on Fortification. His last run needs forgiving but previously he was just beaten by Welsh National runner up Giles Cross. On his day he is very good and his young trainer is having a very promising season. It doesn't look the strongest of races and if he jumps well he could have a few of these in trouble from some way out.