Day two of the Christmas Festival is the Ladbrokes Desert Orchid chase day. Named after the charismatic grey who made Kempton Park his own, the day is packed full of quality racing including the mare’s handicap hurdle race, the Wayward Lad novices’ steeple chase [1:20] and, of course, the Desert Orchid chase [2:30].
Dessie, as he was affectionately known, was laid to rest at Kempton Park on the 27th December 2006 - the same day as the inaugural running of the race which was won by the Alan King trained Voy Por Ustedes. It has since been won by an array of Jump racing stars including Sire de Grugy, Sprinter Sacre, Special Tiara and Politologue. In 2019, Bun Duran lead from the front in spectacular style. This meeting will no longer have a limited capacity under current Covid-19 guidelines, with more counties across the Uk going into Tier 4 restrictions this means that racing is returning to "behind closed doors". Fortunately we can still follow the action online or via the ITV racing.
Huge congratulations to Bryony Frost and Frodon with their huge win in yesterdays King George VI Chase an outstanding performance from a brilliant jockey / horse combination.
WEATHER - Showers expected, max temp 8c.
12:45pm The Ladbrokes 1 Free Bet Introductory Juvenile Hurdle
2 miles 13 runners
Very interesting hurdle for 3yo's and while only one previous winner in the line up (Heross Du Seuil) I am going with a pair of previous runners up starting with Venetia Williams' HONNEUR D'AJONC and the further rain the better usually helps her runners, while Alan King runs HER INDOORS a runner up at Aintree and should progress.
Result - (4) Heross Du Seuil @3/1 [Nico De Boinville]
1:20pm The Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices Chase (Grade 2)
2 miles 4 runners
Small field with the presence of the exciting chaser SHISHKIN the reason for the lack of opposition, will be very short odds for this and probably a race to watch and enjoy. Jumped well last time to win easily and expected to do so again. Stable mate Elusive Belle might be the one for the forecast here, will see how Paul Nicholls Tamaroc Du Mathan fares, had a wind operation then returned to win at Wincanton but looks up against it here.
Result - (2) Shishkin @1/3f [Nico De Boinville]
1:55pm The Ladbrokes Mares' Handicap Hurdle
3 miles 1/2 furlong 10 runners
A race for the mares headed by the consistent PERFECT MYTH [Non Runner] who has not been out of the first two in her last six runs, could go well again with Richard Johnson booked. MOLLY OLLYS WISHES [WON 9/2] came good in another mares race at Hereford and that might give her some confidence although this would seem to be a step up. The bottom one EMMPRESSIVE LADY is seeking a hat trick and with her weight allowance too could be very interesting too.
Result - (4) Molly Ollys Wishes @9/2 [Harry Skelton]
2:30pm THE LADBROKES DESERT ORCHID CHASE (GRADE 2)
2 miles 6 runners
Today's feature race sees ALTIOR reappear in a race he won two years ago, might be on the start of his decline now but still far too good for this surely. Just a small field as expected, he's about 10lb+ higher than the others here so maybe SCEAU ROYAL can follow him home or the newcomer ROUGE VIF as a 6yo can keep improving.
Result - (5) Nube Negra @20/1 [Harry Skelton]
3:05pm Ladbrokes Committed To Safer Gambling Handicap Chase
3 miles 13 runners
Two tricky handicaps to end with the first here is a steeplechase over three miles, where DARLAC can make his presence felt having won his latest race on soft ground and trainer Colin Tizzard should have him ready to go again. Paul Nicholls saddle ADRIEN DU PONT who won at this meeting two years ago, struggled a bit since but back to that winning mark and the master trainer has a great record here too.
Result - (5) Royale Pagaille @9/2f [Charlie Deutsch]
3:40pm Watch Racing Free Online At Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle
2 miles 15 runners
The finale a handicap hurdle, large field headed by Christopher Wood who mixes hurdles and flat racing well, likely to be fit enough but the weight concession here might be tricky on soft going. Preference is for FARO DE KERSER who has been racing in France on soft going, winner twice and a young horse who can keep improving, also going to side with THE BEES KNEES who although beaten (4th) at Cheltenham last time ran well was not that far away, and another with youth on his side.
Result - (8) Cadzand @5/2f [Harry Skelton]
Results will be updated during the afternoon, we will return for 2021 with the traditional opening meeting on New Years Day at Cheltenham.
Have a good end to the year.
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