Kempton Juvenile Hurdle Guide

Trainer - Alan King

Jockey -

Transferring from William Haggas' yard last summer, this 4yo has been busy racing seven times to try and promote himself in the division.

He won four of his first five outings in the colours of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, including a smart display in Listed company at Wetherby in November.

Then he took his career to Cheltenham, and came into contact with Quel Destin, but still was not disgraced under a couple of lengths down, but was no way near the latter again when comfortably beaten Doncaster in a Grade Two latest.

Same company, so much more required this time.

Trainer - Gary Moore

Jockey - Joshua Moore

Another horse sold from a flat trainer - this time Ed Vaughan, has now had two starts for Gary Moore in the National Hunt scene.

He won on debut in fact here at Kempton over Christmas in a Class Two, before failing to reproduce that effort at Ascot in lower company last month.

Steps up to the top band now, and others looked preferred on paper.

Trainer - Paul Nicholls

Jockey -

Unraced 4yo son of Maxios in the National Hunt sphere - out of the mare Enjoy The Life, who has raced five times on the flat in Germany for different connections.

Now with the ten-times Champion Trainer in England, it is hard to really suggest anything positive given what he has achieved so far.

Off the track for over two hundred days, he is a half-brother to a Germany Derby runner-up, and related to a useful 2m-2m4f hurdle winner Silk Affair.

All there is, but could be a surprise package.

Trainer - Nicky Henderson

Jockey -

Another for Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, Fusil Raffles makes his first start for Champion Trainer Nicky Henderson.

Two starts in France for G Macaire, including a victory on his debut, he now makes the transition to the National Hunt scene.

Has a relation to 2m1f-2m4f chase winner Kali Des Obeaux - who you may recognise as a half-sister to dam of good jumper Alpha Des Obeaux.

Chasing could be down the line, but opens his British account over hurdles here.

Trainer - John McConnell

Jockey - David Noonan

Promising start for new connections when winning at Musselburgh on new years day - beating a useful horse from Donald McCain's ill-fated yard - Liva.

Son of Canford Cliffs had just the one start in Ireland for Jessica Magnier, and looks to be plenty more to come.

Interesting.

Trainer - John Ryan

Jockey -

Needs To Do More - more like, after failing to provide a challenge in a Grade Two Triumph Trial at Cheltenham latest.

Had won at Musselburgh prior to that, but in an absolute shocker of a contest.

Failed as a flat horse, and lots of ground to make up here. Perhaps one that needs to have a line put through.

Trainer - Jonjo O'Neill

Jockey -

A fresh recruit from France, who won a couple of nice races on the Flat, did not begin life too brightly in a Triumph trial at Cheltenham on British and stable debut.

That effort though, could be behind subsequent Supreme winner Fakir D'oudairies - who could make the step into complete novice company against all ages in the opening race of the Festival.

As for this horse, that effort could have just been a lesson at school, so time to make amends in the exam.

Trainer - Tom George

Jockey -

This 4yo is the only one in this field defending an unbeaten record in this contest, after his win on National Hunt debut at Ludlow.

Has previous form with Christmas Hurdle winner Verdana Blue on the all-weather, in his days under John Gosden's management.

A useful recruit who could be smart going forward in this category.

Trainer - Alan King

Jockey -

Previously with Sir Mark Prescott - actually winning on his final start on the flat up at Newcastle in a Class Four Handicap.

He has since made the move to Alan King's yard, and raced twice under rules - finishing second on debut at Newbury, before going one better at Market Rasen just a couple of weeks ago.

Horse on the up, and can continue fine progression here.

Trainer - Dan Skelton

Jockey - Harry Skelton

Two starts for the Skeltons after moving from France.

This 4yo has competed twice at the Festival venue to date - unseating in the first, before a much more spirited performance behind Fakir Douairies in the Triumph trial in January.

Plenty more to offer, as he slowly but surely gets the hang of things.

Trainer - Paul Nicholls

Jockey -

A horse that many may recall from the flat scene in his day's for Tom Dascombe, Red Force One is another that has made a move, this time to Paul Nicholls yard in Ditcheat.

His first start for the ten-times Champion Trainer was in a Class Four Handicap on the All-weather at Kempton two weeks ago, when being denied by a nose.

However, Nicholls purchased the 4yo with a view to now jumping obstacles and has clearly identified the talent to do so there.

With the Somerset Trainer in the flying form that he is currently in, you would not question his judgement, and he could have another Triumph hopeful on his hands alongside Quel Destin.

Trainer - Dr Richard Newland

Jockey - Daryl Jacob

It appears jockey Daryl Jacob has his mind up on which horse he fancies, and he rides the third and final horse in the field for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.

Yet to race in England or for this yard, this 4yo son of Kapgarde has some strong form over hurdles in France, including his victory when unchallenged at Strasbourg.

Interesting chances, but wants rain.

Trainer - Tom Symonds

Jockey -

Tom Symonds appears to have a smart one on his hands, and is certainly one of the more experienced juveniles in the field.

Making the switch from France last July, this 4yo has raced three times in Britain, finishing as the runner-up twice before getting his head in front at Newbury latest.

Unfurnished, he jumped well having made all, and looks astute and resourceful going forward.

Leading claims 'if on song'.

Trainer - Alan King

Jockey -

Another for Alan King, Giving Glances made up for her disappointing effort in Listed company at Aintree, by returning to winning ways at Doncaster latest.

Something was clearly amiss at the National venue back in December, but if drawing a line through that, it has been an immaculate start to life over fences and could go onto the next step here.

Keep an eye on her.

Trainer - Paul Nicholls

Jockey -

Deadline Diva could be the unknown quantity in the field, having fell on her one and only start for Paul Nicholls here at Kempton.

That was the race won by Beat The Judge - and Deadline Diva had been well backed into 3-1 before the off.

Quality horse in France on the flat, so looks to make a positive transformation to life over hurdles, and could be one for the future.

The vibes are strong.