Sir Fredlot is strongly-fancied to go one better in the Maiden Stakes over six furlongs of Kempton polytrack tonight; it's an outstanding opportunity for this Choisor gelding, formerly-trained by now-retired, Peter Winkworth. A fortnight ago Charles Hills ran Sir Fredlot for the first time but though backed into favouritism he wasn't able to cope with the strong-finishing Gabriel's Lad over course and distance. Darryll Holland rode on that occasion. He's replaced by Michael Hills but any licensed jockey should be capable of winning this race aboard Sir Fredlot and defeat would represent massive disappointment. Back him to go one better.
The 49-year-old Hills should be in confident mood. He landed a double at Haydock last Saturday with front-running efforts that displayed his outstanding judgement of pace. Doubtless similar tactics will be employed. It's easier to keep a horse going than having to roust one and Hills' vast experience means he should ride in such a way more often than not. Whether or not he'll be given free rein to do something similar, aboard Basseterre in the three-year-old handicap over a mile, remains to be seen. Basseterre is useful judged on his debut success on Lingfield 'poly' but was all at sea on 'soft' Windsor ground last time out when a slow start also meant he raced on the 'wrong' side. What could go wrong certainly did but on the definitive best artificial surface around, Basseterre justifies an each-way punt.
Perfect Delight should be a 'penalty-kick' in the Maiden Fillies' Stakes over eleven furlongs. If all eight run this is a must each-way double proposition from Sir Fredlot but make sure they all run before venturing forth because a non-runner would mean two places only. Sir Michael Stoute is working to get his show on the road and Strident Force could be another for championship-chasing, Kieren Fallon in the opening Maiden Stakes over seven furlongs. No 'cert' but the race appears to lack strength in depth. Three maidens with a fancy in each on 'poly' is nothing short of 'manna from heaven' and might just mean we'll get the helicopter out, providing the blades haven''t gone rusty!
SELECTIONS
RACE 26 (#5) STRIDENT FORCE
RACE 32 (#7) SIR FREDLOT
RACE 35 (#8) PERFECT DELIGHT (nap)
RACE 41 (#7) BASSETERRE (e.w.)
