Course-and-distance winner Roi De France has obvious chance to show just how good he is

Just how good is Roi De France? We don’t have a conclusive answer just yet and even his victory over course and distance last time left as many questions as answers. He got the job done by a short head, but would likely have won by further had he not hit trouble on the run-in.

He did well to peg back the reopposing Popmaster, who had come from the back and got first run as Roi De France was locked up on the inside, but just how much more did the winner have in the locker? We might find out here because he is now 6lb worse off with Popmaster.

Popmaster has every chance of turning the tables on Roi De France this time, especially as he has run only twice at a mile and is 2-3 at Kempton. He may even have more to offer himself.

There should be more to come from Alshinfarah, who won her first two starts at Haydock and Doncaster last year before finishing third in a Group 3 at Longchamp. That was the best part of 15 months ago, but Kevin Philippart de Foy has more winners at Kempton (35) than any other course and could have found an easier task for her return. He must think she is up to it.

It will be fascinating to see whether Whitcombe Rockstar can make the step up in grade. The Keiran Burke-trained five-year-old has won six of his seven starts this year and five came over course and distance. This is a much stiffer task than any of those, but he is improving.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway 

What they say

Mike Prince, spokesman for Middleham Park Racing, owners of Dear My Friend
His all-weather mark is superior to his turf rating and he’s been freshened up since his last run on grass. He worked nicely at the weekend and we're expecting a good run.

Keiran Burke, trainer of Whitcombe Rockstar
He’s going back to somewhere he loves, although this is a big step up in class. This will be a nice end to his season and we don’t expect him to be disgraced.

Bjorn Nielsen, owner of Roi De France
This is a step up in class against some hard-knocking sorts but he only just got up from a difficult position last time so could well have won easier that day. He’s got plenty of pace. I think the plan is to put him away after this run.

Richard Hills, assistant racing manager to Shadwell Estates, owner of Alshinfarah
She’s had over a year off with injury but she’s been working well and looks great. She’s sure to improve for the run and the plan is to keep her going through the winter.
Reporting by David Milnes 

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