Kempton Lanzarote Hurdle

AFTER the appetite-whetting Boxing Day fixture at Kempton Park, the action returns to the Surrey track on Saturday with their notable mid-January handicap – the William Hill Lanzarote Hurdle, writes Mikey Mumford. Punters could be forgiven for thinking the jumps season takes a bit of a lull in action at the start of 2012, and while this weekend’s feature race is unlikely to eclipse the dizzy heights of Kauto Star’s historic fifth King George, we can expect another fascinating renewal of this hotly-contested handicap. Named after the 1974 Champion Hurdle winner Lanzarote, the race was formerly run over a distance of 2m and there were eight flights of hurdles to be jumped. However since 2007, the trip has been extended by 5 furlongs (2m5f) and an extra two obstacles must be successfully negotiated. It is open to four-year-olds plus and David Pipe’s Decoy is the early market leader in this wide open betting heat. A field of 20 runners will head to post. Get all your free bets here for the 2013 Cheltenham Festival.

Featherbed Lane Officially rated 144 over hurdles; he was an impressive winner of a decent contest at Aintree in December and at Ascot the time before. However, handicapper done him no favours with a whopping hike for his last success and may find it difficult on those terms. Should run his usually sound race though, but might be best watched in his bid for a three-timer.

Domtaline Won a juvenile hurdle at the first time of asking on his first run on British soil and won an ordinary handicap at that same course two runs back. No chance up against 150-rated winner Grandouet (now rated 166) last time and the fact he is yet to race beyond 2m is a slight worry. Not totally convinced the extra 5f will be in his favour but could sneak into the minor money.

Act of Kalanisi Fairly consistent performer on the level (rated 85 two years ago) and has scored twice since switching to hurdling. Sneaked in at the bottom of the handicap at Ascot last time but failed to quicken when asked upon on his favoured soft ground. Will probably get this far, but hard to have too much confidence about at present, however, jockey booking of Barry Geraghty a positive.

Ohio Gold Justified long odds favouritism in each of his last two runs but this is a much stiffer assignment. Now rated 134 over hurdles, he struggled in Grade 1 company at the start of November and while this represents a more realistic task on paper and Brendan Powell’s 5Ib claim make life easier, he looks vulnerable to a better treated rival.

Well Regarded Has won and been placed in three of his four hurdle starts for Emma Lavelle, although was beaten one-and-a-half lengths last time at Doncaster despite being sent off market leader. However, he has been given a chance by the handicapper who has dropped him 8Ib, but still weighted slightly above his last winning mark. Any market support would be significant though, and he has place claims at the least

Decoy Comfortably beaten by Featherbed Lane last time despite being sent off the even money favourite. Meets that rival on much better terms this time though, and now well below his last winning mark so is likely to reverse at least that form. Has a had small break in which to recover, and just about deserves his place at the head of the market.

Lightning Strike Yard in great form at present and his Hereford win last time over a little further should have instilled confidence. He will appreciate the good ground although this is a big step up in class and has been known to throw in the odd stinker. Place claims nevertheless, if one of his good days.

Several to make a case for here including market leader Decoy who has been given a real chance at the weights for the David Pipe team. Similarly, Lightning Strike could run a big race with the yard in such good form but the selection is WELL REGARDED who can exploit a favourable mark. Swincombe Flame can follow him home for Nick Williams’ who won this race twelve months ago. [Mikey Mumford]

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