Can course-and-distance winner Distant Rumble defy weight and draw to strike again? Analysis and key quotes
Exclusive new customer sign up offers
FREE BETS
FREE BETS
The result of this race might hinge on the draw because Distant Rumble looks well capable of going in again judging on his impressive course-and-distance victory last week. However, he has to overcome a wide stall in 11 of 12 and could get lit up early if he is unable to get cover.
Distant Rumble went keenly through the early part of last week’s race and was on the verge of pulling too hard on the bend, but he must have a huge amount of ability because he came home well and was more than four lengths faster than the runner-up over the last three furlongs.
He is 2lb wrong at the weights, having been raised only 4lb for that victory but now running under a 6lb penalty in this stronger race. However, Distant Rumble is clearly capable of better.
The same can be said for Trouble Man, who has run only twice and broke his maiden over a furlong shorter at Wolverhampton last month. He had subsequent winners behind in second and sixth on that occasion, having lost out by only a neck over this distance first time out.
That proves he stays six furlongs and the return to the trip should suit, so he can play a part.
The other to consider is Dream Voyage, who recorded a good time when third at Lingfield three weeks ago. That was her first all-weather run as well as her handicap bow.
She was also returning after 152 days off, having finished behind Lake Victoria at Newmarket previously. That was in a Group 3 and she is entitled to improve for her reappearance at this lower level.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway
What they say
Michael Bell, trainer of Camera Shy
He’s drawn in Esher [stall 12] and he’ll have to have a bit of luck from there. On the plus side, he’s in good form and has the champion jockey on board.
Jane Chapple-Hyam, trainer of Trouble Man
He has a nice draw in stall four and we're expecting him to run a nice race after a midwinter break.
Clive Cox, trainer of Sergio Parisse
He didn’t perform at Lingfield, having worked well beforehand and been sent off favourite. He’s come out of that fine and hopefully he'll act better around Kempton.
Roger Teal, trainer of Distant Rumble
He’s coming back off a nice win there last week but his draw in stall 11 is the burden. There isn't much else he can run in, so we’ll give it a go.
Stuart Williams, trainer of Oakley Boy
This looks an obvious race for him and he’s versatile as regards tracks as his all-weather pedigree would suggest.
Michael Keady, trainer of Horus
This is a much more competitive race than he's been running in but he’s well drawn in stall one and hopefully he can run a good race.
Reporting by David Milnes
Subscribe to Racing Post+ Ultimate now
- Paul Nicholls makes rare trip to Market Rasen with Albert Bartlett entry and Newcastle specialist seeks four-timer - Tuesday's punting pointers
- 2.25 Taunton: will novices dominate again? Key quotes and analysis for feature handicap chase
- 3.50 Southwell: 'The form of his Taunton third is strong' - can prolific Bread And Butter taste more success at Southwell?
- Sir Gerhard stars in stud and stable staff race and brother to festival hero bids for chase win - punting pointers for Monday
- Maddy Playle's bet of the day lands the Dublin Chase at 6-1 - find out her views on the other main races
- Paul Nicholls makes rare trip to Market Rasen with Albert Bartlett entry and Newcastle specialist seeks four-timer - Tuesday's punting pointers
- 2.25 Taunton: will novices dominate again? Key quotes and analysis for feature handicap chase
- 3.50 Southwell: 'The form of his Taunton third is strong' - can prolific Bread And Butter taste more success at Southwell?
- Sir Gerhard stars in stud and stable staff race and brother to festival hero bids for chase win - punting pointers for Monday
- Maddy Playle's bet of the day lands the Dublin Chase at 6-1 - find out her views on the other main races