2018 KEMPTON PARK RACES -- WEDNESDAY NIGHTS #3 21st FEBRUARY

Welcome to a new season for this blog which primarily follows the progress of handicap races on the Wednesday night races here at Kempton Park racecourse in Surrey. While last season was not our best by a long way we have reset the counters and started off again in 2018. There are usually 4-5 handicap races covered and some Lay bets too with separate totals recorded to SP. 


This is only week three, though we started off the year with a loss we clawed a little of that back in week two and are now down -2.5 points, early days and there is a long way to go. 

As we continue to focus on the handicap contests for each Wednesday evening meeting we will also occasionally include a feature listed or conditions event too if one is available. Keeping records of our endeavours to a 1 point level stake at SP, naturally we will personally be looking to get better odds than this but for the purpose of these results here we simply record SP returns only.

We will keep up with our occasional lay opportunities of short priced favourites too which wasn't too bad last year with 18 from 28 (64%) short price lays throughout the season. Naturally we will keep these results separately from the handicap figures, we are currently 1/3 going forwards with these for 2018. 

This Wednesday is meeting number three for the 2018 season and we are expecting a six race card tonight with four handicaps to enjoy, tonight's action will commence at 17:45 with our first Handicap for Apprentice riders over a mile.

Here's a link to this Wednesday's race card; RACECARD

The going on the polytrack surface is described as 'standard to slow' and the current weather forecast for this Wednesday is for a cold winters day with possibility of showers expected the top temperature will only be about 7C by the time the meeting gets underway.

Here are our selections for tonight;

17:45 -- 1m Apprentice Handicap.
The opening handicap is for Apprentices so it's possible that any result could be given as they are only able to use hands and heels. Looking at the recent form of some of these would seem safe to side with PACO FILLY [8th 14/1] and AYE AYE SKIPPER [6th 9/2] since they have raced in similar grade and have scope to improve too.

18:45 -- 1m 3f 219y Handicap.
This race really revolves around the chances of SUSSEX RANGER, a recent recruit to hurdling could be thrown in here and if fit enough should win but looks like being a short enough price. 

Will instead take SONNETIST [10th 12/1] and BOYCHICK [7th 13/2] at about 12/1 the pair against the field as well as backing them in the place markets.

19:45 -- 1m 2f 219y Handicap.
Another interesting contest, have been a backer of the top weight FIRE FIGHTING [9th 15/2] who has won off higher marks in the past but is not getting any younger. 

INTREPIDLY [Non Runner] provides Ryan Moore with an early outing on the AW probably before he goes out to Dubai for more lucrative engagements.

20:15 -- 6f Handicap.
Our finale tonight has recent hat-trick winner HIGHER COURT [2nd 8/1] in action all three wins coming around the Sunbury course. Interesting along with DOC SPORTELLO [3rd 9/2] who returned last month on the AW at Newcastle and wasn't far off the winner.

Staked -- 8 points.
Returns -- 1 points.

Results will appear here later on Wednesday night. We seek to recover from our current deficit of -2.5 points. Another bad night results wise, plenty of places though, but down another 7pts as a result and it's -9.5 points to go forward with. 

LAYS -- 1/3 if we have one or two Lays tonight they will be updated here also. Rats it won ... another short price winner but means we are 1/4 now. Poor start.

Tonight's Lay;
19:15 -- WATERSMEET - WON 11/8
[1m 7f 218y Conditions Stakes].

Our fourth meeting here at Kempton Park will be in a few weeks time on 7th March so see you then.