KINGSTON PRIDE PICKED TO STAR AT SANDOWN

By Anita Chambers, PA

Kingston Pride can make a speedy leap to Grade Two glory in the Betfair Winter Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown.

Winner of a Curraghmore point to point in April 2023, Kingston Pride was subsequently bought for €200,000 and joined Nicky Henderson’s team, finishing second at the first attempt in bumper company at Lingfield.

While that was a bit disappointing on the face of it as he was sent off an odds-on favourite, the victorious Tripoli Flyer has turned out pretty smart himself, placing in Grade Two bumper company and already winning over hurdles this term.

Kingston Pride made amends with a ready bumper victory at Exeter in April and got off the mark over hurdles at the first attempt this term, prevailing by just over three lengths at Uttoxeter in comfortable fashion.

The bare form of that race may not be anything special, but Kingston Pride could not have been more impressive and his jumping should be sharper this time around too.

A jumping error at Cheltenham proved costly for Resplendent Grey but he remains a solid pick in the Betfair Esher Novices’ Chase.

Winner of three of his eight hurdles starts, Olly Murphy’s runner was off the mark at the first attempt over fences at Uttoxeter in October, with a five-and-a-half-length margin of victory seeing his rating rise to 138 which pushed him into Listed company.

It looked as though that could be a winning move as he was still travelling well coming to the penultimate fence, only to make a mistake as eventual winner Hyland put in a perfect leap, with the latter holding a half-length advantage at the line.

Resplendent Grey is the one to beat on ratings and any easing of the Esher ground would not be an issue.

Melon kicks off his National Hunt career in the Daily Tips On Betting.Betfair “Introductory” Juvenile Hurdle.

A mile-and-six-furlong winner on the Flat at Haydock in September, the son of Adlerflug subsequently changed hands for 68,000 guineas at Tattersalls and looks an ideal jumps recruit.

The Doyen Chief appeals as the standout performer in the Southwest Rail Solutions Handicap Chase at Exeter.

Smart over hurdles, he was sent off favourite to make a winning chase bow when pitched straight into full handicap company at Market Rasen.

His inexperience perhaps caught him out there as he was beaten less then three lengths in third, but he should be more streetwise for the run and looks a surefire future winner.

Penzance can make the most of a move back from Listed level in Newcastle’s BetUK: It’s Where The UK Bets Handicap.

He was up against it when a well-beaten third behind Military Academy at Kempton at the start of November, giving 5lb to a rival rated 10lb better than him over a 12-furlong trip that possibly stretches his stamina.

Penzance then made a quick reappearance in a voided Chelmsford race and having been given a couple of weeks to get over those swift outings, Penzance can go well back over a more suitable 10 furlongs.

Top tips for today’s UK meetings

TAB is betting on 4 UK meetings today. Here are the tips.

EXETER: Race 1: 14.25 Our Dylan, Race 2: 15.00 The Doyen Chief, Race 3: 15.35 George
Henry, Race 4: 16.10 Billytherealbigread, Race 5: 16.45 Captain Boudet, Race 6: 17.20
Whydah Gally, Race 7: 17.55 Master Theobaker.

SEDGEFIELD: Race 1: 14.35 Idaho Valley, Race 2: 15.10 Takt De Touques, Race 3: 15.45 Old
Page, Race 4: 16.20 Langton Wold, Race 5: 16.53 Kings Justice, Race 6: 17.27 Lady Kluck.

SANDOWN: Race 1: 14.48 Melon, Race 2: 15.23 Intimate, Race 3: 15.58 KINGSTON PRIDE
(NAP), Race 4: 16.33 Resplendent Grey, Race 5: 17.03 Passing Well, Race 6: 17.35 Fasol.

NEWCASTLE: Race 1: 17.13 Penzance, Race 2: 17.48 Manton Road, Race 3: 18.20 Rogue
Allegiance, Race 4: 18.50 Showering, Race 5: 19.20 Silent Move, Race 6: 19.50 Ganesha,
Race 7: 20.20 Yaahobby, Race 8: 20.50 Showtime Mahomes, Race 9: 21.20 Captain Vallo.

DOUBLE: Kingston Pride and Resplendent Grey (Sandown, Races 3 and 4).

For fields, race betting and more information go to www.tab4Racing.com