Countrywide Flame holds edge over Cinders And Ashes in Williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle at Kempton
Cinders And Ashes surely has his best days in front but, since the conditions at Kempton are very testing, the punters should stick only with Countrywide Flame in the Williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle, taking place on the Boxing Day.
John Quinn’s charge defeated Cinders And Ashes comprehensively at Newcastle in the beginning of this month. In the Grade 1 StanJames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle, he defeated the 10-11 favourite by a dozen lengths. Even if we overlook his latest success, the
4-year-old makes plenty of appeal on Kempton’s tricky surface.
The Michael Clarke-bred has done very well this season. He was an impressive winner on his seasonal comeback in September, when taking the top prize by three quarters of a length in the Hill Dickinson Handicap. The dashing animal was slightly unlucky on
the penultimate start, as he missed the gold medal only by half a length.
Newmarket’s Betfred Cesarewitch (Heritage Handicap) was not an easy contest by any standards. In the hands of Jimmy Quinn, the 7-1 favourite stayed on gamely, but could not show anything special in the final 120 yards. As a result, he narrowly missed the
crown.
Having returned to the winning ways with a splendid effort last time, Countrywide Flame is full of spirit. He holds the edge over Cinders And Ashes, who is being considered as the main danger.
Out of others, Darlan and Dodging Bullets have big roles to play. Raya Star could also be in the premises. The Grade 1 event has attracted eight racing giants, who will play for a handsome prize worth £48,408. According to the plan, the 2-mile contest will
be started at 14:35 GMT.
Raya Star cannot be ignored after his fine progress in handicaps. The Alan King-trained acts well on heavy surface, and holds the place chances at least. Darlan has plenty of potential, and will be a big player if handling the surface. Nicky Henderson’s
charge looks fresh following a long break.
Dodging Bullets needs to dodge one or two to be in the frame. The Paul Nicholls-trained is 2-2 at the lower level this term, and will be exciting if showing maturity. Good luck to all the contenders.
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