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At last we have jump racing!!!

It has been a long wait for us jumps fans but there are plenty of good fixtures coming up in the next few weeks. Ascot, Haydock and Leopardstown are just a week away, but the racing this weekend at Kempton is pretty decent also.

The big race at Kempton is the Lanzarote Hurdle which takes place at 2.45 pm and one of the `on the up’ horses has been declared. DUC DE REGNIERE was included in the list as I believed he was well handicapped over fences, but after winning over fences first time out this season he has reverted to hurdles in a possible attempt to later exploit his chase rating at the Cheltenham Festival. Nicky Henderson has his string in top form so his chances in this can’t be ignored, especially as he has a useful claimer on board, reducing his burden by seven pounds. The one that I fancy however is located lower down the weights and is AACHEN. He really impressed me first time out last season when easily defeating Big Eared Fran at Taunton, where he handled the heavy ground extremely well. He then followed it up with another impressive victory at Market Rasen on soft ground and another victory, this time at Towcester on heavy ground. He clearly handles testing ground well and that is crucial as the going is set to be very testing at Kempton as the `great thaw’ has well and truly kicked in! He was classy on the flat and comes from a stable that won this in 2004 with Limerick Boy. A mark of 137 seems very fair; especially when you consider he gave weight and easily beat Big Eared Fran who went on to land a big handicap at Sandown off a mark of 128. It is also possible that he will improve for this step up in trip as he was a stayer on the flat, so the extra half mile he tackles today could be very much in his favour.

On Sunday ARAN CONCERTO tackles the Normans Grove Chase at Fairyhouse (1.30pm) and should run well. He has disappointed so far this season, but is capable of some very good form. The trip may be short of his best, but the ground is in his favour and I expect him to run a decent race. He faces a stiff task though as giving weight to Scotsirish is a tough ask. Last time out Scotsirish ran a respectable race behind Golden Silver and Tranquil Sea and as most of his opponents need further than two miles to show their best form, he could prove hard to beat. However, I will take on the likely favourite with RARE BOB who beat Trafford Lad first time out last season, only to lose it post race. He was a very classy novice who ran well to finish third in the 2008 Drinmore Novices Chase, a race that has produced numerous top class winners. He also beat Joncol and Cooldine at Punchestown and although the trip is obviously short of his best, the testing ground will help bring his stamina into play, so he is selected to win this.  

Due to the lack of Jump racing there has not been a recent EYECATCHERS update, so this week I have decided to give access to this `horses to follow’ update to all the subscribers of the eyecatchers service.  

One of the Eyecatchers to look out for is ALPHA RIDGE who ran very well behind Pandorama in the Drinmore Novices Chase. He is entered in the Woodlands Park Novices Chase at Naas (1.45 Saturday) and should win. The trip of three miles should prove little trouble to him as he has won twice over three miles over hurdles and has already proved his ability on testing ground. Connections rate him highly and have found a good opportunity for him to get off the mark over fences. The main danger appears to be TELENOR who impressed on heavy ground last time out over three miles. He should improve again for that experience and I expect him to run a big race. A reverse forecast could reward punters.