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. Trained by the recently retired David Elsworth, will always have a special place at this time of year. The race named in his honour has since been won by an array of Jump racing stars including Sire de Grugy, Sprinter Sacre, Special Tiara and Politologue. Dan Skelton sent out Nube Negra to win the the 2020 running, becoming only the second horse to beat Altior in winning the Desert Orchid Chase.
With the changing government guidelines over attendances at larger events there are a number of measures in place around Lateral Flow Tests and having to show a Covid 'Passport' for us we can follow all the action on ITV racing.
Going Report - Soft.
Weather Forecast - Showers expected, max temp 9c.
12:45pm Ladbrokes We Play Together Introductory Juvenile Hurdle
2 miles [Class 2 10 runners]
The opening race for 3yo juvenile's and we have two last time out winners with Iceo (Paul Nicholls) and Illico Des Places (T Symonds) having to run with a penalty, they will both likely score again this season but today will be opposing them. Titian was one I fancied on his hurdling debut for the David Pipe yard, sadly he fell at the first flight but we will give him a second chance to make amends here.
With four newcomers it's difficult to predict how they will fare, Restitution for trainer Alan King might be interesting to many, while Optimistic Belief (Pat Phelan) will need to be settled better than his fifth placing at Sandown last time.
Result - (1) Iceo @9/4f [Bryony Frost].
1:20pm The Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices Chase (Grade 2)
2 miles [Class 1 4 runners]
Just the four runners for this two mile novice chase, possibly frightened off by the appearance of Edwardstone. Alan King's 7yo already successful in two chases at Warwick and Sandown surely a clear round of jumping will be enough to see off this opposition. Solo (Paul Nicholls) is probably the biggest danger, runner up on two chases so far, his trainer certainly knows what is required at this meeting and in a small field could be able to bowl along. The other pair of Do Your Job who fell at Sandown in the race that Edwardstone won, and Raya Time look likely to pick up the place money on offer for completing but a some way off the level of the other pair.
Result - (1) Edwardstone @8/15f [Tom Cannon].
1:55pm Play Ladbrokes 5-a-side On Football Mares' Handicap Hurdle
3 miles 121 yards [Class 2 7 runners]
A three mile mares hurdle up now, shame only the seven declared as limited each way options, but we will take two against the field in an open looking race. Coded Message an 8yo has come down the weights a bit now and usually runs well without getting to the front, will also look at Get The Appeal a winner already this year at Musselburgh and Wincanton should be thereabouts if she can see out the trip.
Result - (3) Emmpressive Lady @3/1 [Sean Houlihan].
2:30pm THE LADBROKES DESERT ORCHID CHASE (GRADE 2)
2 miles [Class 1 4 runners]
Another four runner affair here shame as it's such a highly rated contest and such a huge name in racing attached to it. But it's the return of Shishkin (Nicky Henderson) that should light up this affair, has been off since wins in the The Arkle at Cheltenham and a big race at Aintree, the trainer pulled him out of an earlier reappearance so hopefully spot on today. Easily one the more exciting horses in training and cruised to win the Wayward Lad chase on this card twelve months ago. Greaneteeen won the Tingle Creek chase earlier in the month and will be the biggest challenge to the fav, while Sky Pirate and Before Midnight make up the quartet.
Result - (3) Shishkin @4/9f [Nico de Boinville].
3:05pm Play Ladbrokes 1-2-free On Football Handicap Chase
3 miles [Class 2 11 runners]
Decent fields for the final couple of handicaps today, Morning Vicar (N Henderson) was sent all the way up to Perth by his trainer and secured the win, up a little in class but the trainer has a great record here so 10/1+ looks appetising in the win/place markets and Kauto The King (C Tizzard) a multiple chase winner, three miles the unknown but another at decent odds and this flat galloping track could make it possible.
Result - (8) Five Star Getaway @12/1 [Nick Scholfield].
3:40pm Ladbrokes Committed To Safer Gambling Handicap Hurdle
2 miles [Class 3 10 runners]
Our finale today, two miles and a big field should see this run at a furious pace, shame only fifteen declared as one more would have given us four places (five non runners now so that's a moot point anyway), typical no generosity at Christmas eh. Top of the tree is Hacker Des Places a lightly raced hurdler and Angus Cheleda takes off a valuable five pounds with his claim, could be improving still, also have a look at John Locke who won last time out with seven pound claimer T Durrell retaining the ride here for the Skelton yard. Down the bottom of the handicap here is Just The Man [Non Runner] and might be a little place bet to have there after his third here last month.
Result - (4) Rowland Ward @10/1 [C Gethings].
Results will be updated during the afternoon, we will return for 2022 with the traditional opening meeting on New Years Day at Cheltenham.
Enjoy a fun end to the year.
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