Warren Greatrex targets consolation card with Star Of Lanka and Mahlervous

With his best two horses booked for Aintree, Warren Greatrex has had perhaps a quieter Cheltenham than usual, but the trainer hopes he can end festival week on a high on Kempton's consolation card, provided it passes an 8am inspection with gale-force winds forecast.

Home of the King George VI Chase, Kempton stages two Matchbook-sponsored races for horses who missed out on getting a run at Cheltenham.

The first is a 2m5f handicap hurdle at 2.40, in which Greatrex runs dual Hereford winner Star Of Lanka and Mahlervous, who might have benefited from a breathing operation when winning at Kelso in January.

The trainer, who has La Bague Au Roi and Emitom pencilled in for the Grand National meeting, said: "Star Of Lanka ran well in the Lanzarote over course and distance and I think three miles was too far for him at Haydock last time, when he didn't quite get home.

"Mahlervous won well at Kelso and I've put cheekpieces on to help him concentrate, but both are in good form and should have good each-way chances as there are only ten runners."

Nigel Twiston-Davies, like Greatrex, also has two runners in the £35,000 contest.

Nigel Twiston-Davies: trainer seems sweet on TownshendCredit: Edward Whitaker

Last-time-out Wincanton second Townshend, bidding to give conditional Joe Anderson his first winner under rules, seems the pick of the stable's pair, although Wicked Willy is a consistent type with claims of making the frame.

Twiston-Davies said: "Townshend took a step back in the right direction at Wincanton last time after a wind operation and I'm expecting a good run from him – there aren't that many in the race.

"Wicked Willy is handicapped to the hilt, but rarely runs a bad race and should be placed."

El Terremoto in fine order

Kempton's other consolation race is a £40,000 2m4½f handicap chase (3.15), which Twiston-Davies has El Terremoto for.

"He's big enough to carry top weight and is in fine order," the trainer added of the four-time winner who finished a solid second at Kelso when last seen. "I'm hopeful he'll run well."

Trainer Charlie Longsdon fields Vivas, who has won three times from six appearances this term, and the Queen's Forth Bridge, who has yet to win over fences, but has been out of the first three just twice in ten chase starts.

"Vivas has been in great form over fences this season," he said. "He loves chasing, but looks high enough in the handicap. This higher-class contest could draw Forth Bridge through the race better than some he's tackled recently. Conditions should suit him."

Both races are live on ITV4 along with the novice handicap chase at 2.05.

Bridgend trainer John Flint runs Eddiemaurice in that and said: "I'm expecting a big run.

"We hit the front too soon at Newbury last time, but he jumped too well and pulled himself to the front.

"I would have liked a few more than the five runners, but if he can have a lead coming to the last he'd be due a big race."

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