Kempton best bet (1515): Cap Du Mathan can bounce back from recent setback

15:15 Kempton: Coral Racing Club Join For Free Handicap Chase (2 miles 4½ furlongs)  

If the form book and betting market provide a reliable benchmark, then Pepe Le Moko will take all the beating here after hitting Warwick’s heavy ground running to win by five lengths on season debut in November, and tehnfinishing second last time out at Plumpton a month ago.

David Noonan’s six-year-old is 13 pounds or more better off than the other three market principals, of whom Joe Tizzard’s Le Ligerien won a small-field veterans’ race over this course and distance in November, and should be competitive again here.

Planet Sport Bet: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Pepe Le Moko wins by more than 8 lengths, get a £5 Free Bet

The same can be said about Cap Du Mathan, who disappointed backers of the Paul Nicholl / Harry Cobden partnership when pulling up in the Howden Chase at Ascot just before Christmas.

He had won twice over hurdles before switching to larger obstacles, stringing impressive figures of 231122 together his first chasing season a year ago, and Cobden clearly has high hopes for the nine-year-old, as he explains in his regular Planet Sport Blog:

READ MORE: Harry Cobden’s Planet Sport Blog assesses his seven Kempton rides

“Then I have another horse I like a lot in the handicap chase, Cap Du Mathan. Obviously, he was disappointing last time, but the ground was too quick for him, and they went very fast from the start.

He’s dropped in the weights and has been in good form at home, so hopefully can run a nice race.”

With the more suitable cut in the turf at Kempton on Saturday, it would be no surprise at all to see Cap Du Mathan engaged in what promises to have all the makings of an thrilling finish.

Suggested best bet: Cap Du Mathan in the 15:15 at Kempton

• Tip advised by Little Horses on Tipstrr

 

READ MORE: Saturday ITV racing tips: Best bets for Kempton, Warwick and Wetherby on January 13