Empire set to go from strength to strength up in trip at Kempton

Newmarket: David Milnes

Lexington Empire (8.15 Kempton, nap)

David Lanigan's chestnut returned to form with a staying display at Chelmsford last time and has since worked well on the Cambridge Road Polytrack. The three-year-old is expected to be suited by this longer trip.

Others to follow
Doncaster 1.50 Alfie Solomons, 2.25 Fanaar, 3.00 Global Applause, 4.05 What A Home, 4.40 Emirates Flyer, 5.15 Foxy Forever.
Carlisle 3.10 Divine Gift, 4.15 Haverland.
Kempton 6.15 Anandita, 6.45 Coverham, 7.15 Birch Grove, 7.45 Twister, 8.45 Mime Dance.

North: Colin Russell

Just Hiss (4.50 Carlisle, nap)

Lightly-raced this season but sound effort when a close third in a competitive event at Ripon last time. Ideally suited by plenty of give in the ground so with today's conditions ideal he is fancied to get off the mark for the year.

Others to follow
Carlisle 1.30 Collingham Park, 2.00 Im Dapper Too, 2.35 Silver Dust, 3.10 Fraser Island, 3.45 Rosebank, 4.15 Sir Derrick, 5.25 In Focus.
Doncaster 1.50 Yousini, 2.25 Chains Of Love, 3.00 El Astronaute, 3.35 Assimile, 4.05 Sepal, 5.15 Acclaim The Nation.
Kempton 6.15 Stellar Comet, 8.45 Tagle.
Uttoxeter 2.15 Lough Salt, 3.25 Jacks Last Hope, 3.55 Venue, 4.30 Middlebrow, 5.05 Strong Team.

Lambourn: James Burn

Khaadem (1.50 Doncaster, nap)

This race has been the plan for this well-regarded colt, who was an eyecatcher behind Calyx on his debut and went one better in smooth style at Newmarket last month. Big run expected.

Others to follow
Carlisle 1.30 Apple Anni, 2.35 Summer Blossom, 3.10 Crystal Tiara.
Doncaster 2.25 Concello, 3.00 Sunsprite, 4.05 Spirit Of Appin, 4.40 Afaak.
Kempton 5.45 Assassinate, 6.45 Burren View Lady, 7.15 Wohileh, 7.45 Sassie, 8.45 Oskemen.
Uttoxeter 3.55 Carntop.

West Country: Tim Mitchell

Drinks Interval (3.25 Uttoxeter, nap)

Two-time winning hurdler who has taken well to fences, winning one of her two starts. Fancied to add to that tally now stepping back up in distance.

Others to follow
Kempton 6.45 Crystal Casque, 8.15 Press Gang.
Uttoxeter 2.15 Bradford Bridge, 3.55 Rejaah, 4.30 On Demand.

Racing Post Ratings: Paul Curtis

Bashiba (5.15 Doncaster)

Three-time course and distance winner on a winning mark and could find this run to suit his hold up run style.

Topspeed: Dave Edwards

El Astronaute (3.00 Doncaster)

Has been a model of consistency this season and John Quinn's sprinter can supplement his recent York success.

Longshot: Sam Hardy

Timiyan (4.20 Listowel)

Stayed on gamely to beat Rogue Angel on first try beyond 3m last time. Gets in here off low weight and has services of talented 7lb claimer.

Ireland: Tony O'Hehir

Debuchet (5.30 Listowel)

A dual bumper winner who finished second in the 2017 Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival, the Mags Mullins-trained five-year-old can get off the mark over hurdles at the sixth attempt. Three of his previous efforts have been at Grade 1 level and he was third in a maiden at the Galway festival on his most recent start.

The Raceform Interactive nugget

When a trainer's record since 2017 reads 111811 at one track you have to take notice, and that's Hugo Palmer's at Carlisle. His only runner there today is Startego in the 3.10.

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