6.40 Kempton: the one race you cannot afford to miss on Wednesday

6.40 Kempton
32Red Handicap | 2m | 3yo+ | RTV

Why is it interesting?

Astromachia has won both his starts at Kempton and the four-year-old is looking to record a track hat-trick as one of two runners for trainer Amanda Perrett, who will also be represented by Platitude.

The son of Sea The Stars scored by three and a quarter lengths over course and distance last time, and has gone up 6lb as a result.

He looks to have benefited markedly from being gelded and undergoing a second wind operation last year, having finished second on his return before that comfortable success.

Connections have the Queen's Prize handicap back at the track in April as their long-term goal.

Platitude is falling down the handicap but still shoulders top weight. He is fitted with first-time cheekpieces in a bid to recapture past glories.

Platitude: is one of two representatives for trainer Amanda PerrettCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

David Simcock has his all-weather team in decent form and fields the lightly raced Smart Champion, who makes his first appearance since finishing second to Land Of Oz in the Cesarewitch Trial in September.

Dual-purpose performer Rainbow Dreamer finished down the field in the Cesarewitch but bounced back to finish second at Newmarket last time and represents Alan King.

What do the stats say?

Jim Crowley has ridden more winners (20) at Kempton than at any other all-weather track this year. He joins forces with Astromachia.

All Yours looks for a fourth consecutive victory at Kempton and has finished in the first three in six of his last eight runs.

What do connections say?

Amanda Perrett, trainer of Platitude and Astromachia
It's a shame to run them against each other but we think Platitude is in better form than when he ran last time. The long-term plan with him is the marathon on all-weather finals day. Astromachia loves Kempton and has been in good form since his latest win at the track. He's a progressive type but off his rating we see him more as a Queen's Prize prospect.

Gay Kelleway, trainer of Cosmelli
He's been invited out to Dubai but we'll see how he goes here first as we've had a virus in the yard and a few of mine have been running below their best. He seems fresh and well in himself and this looks a better option than trekking up to Newcastle at the weekend.

Sean Curran, trainer of All Yours
I made a mistake running him at Wolverhampton the other day when the race may have been too strong. He's up in trip but I can't see any reason why he won't get it.

David Simcock, trainer of Smart Champion
He's had a break as we had a wet autumn. This looks an obvious starting point for him on the all-weather and he'll be going on well at the finish as he's a thorough stayer.

Ian Williams, trainer of Western Duke and Manjaam
Western Duke ran well over course and distance last time and should go well again. Manjaam missed the break last time so needs to be on his game. They both have chances in an open race.

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