Kempton best bets: Vultar bidding for hat-trick, Lieber Power in the each-way mix at tasty odds
- John Fearn
- 1 April 2024
In the midst of Easter Monday’s bumper racing card there’s a competitive all-weather meeting on Kempton’s all-weather track, where this one-mile handicap looks likely to provide a thrilling race.
16:40 Kempton: Virgin Bet Daily Extra Places Handicap (1 mile)
All the early signs suggest this should turn out to be a two-horse race between Vultar and Dragon Icon, and as the only two of the ten runners to command a price under 8/1 in the betting, the bookies would appear to be in agreement.
Planet Sport Bet Daily Special: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Dragon Icon wins by more than 2 lengths, get a £5 Free Bet
Dragon Icon is expected to bounce back after being left short of room in defeat last time out, but it is Vultar who carries the most impressive credentials with figures of 223211 from his six career outings to date, with both wins coming at this venue either side of a four-month winter break.
That last win came just 19 days ago and was the first attempt over this mile trip for Clive Cox’s grey gelding, who was driven out by regular rider Richard Kingscote to edge out the re-opposing Farasi Lane by the shortest of short heads.
Suggested best bet: Vultar in the 16:40 at Kempton
With the eight remaining starters all available at 8/1 or higher at the time of writing, there is clearly some each-way value up for grabs among those looking to upset the two favourites or at least pick up the minor places.
As mentioned, Farasi Lane was only narrowly beaten by Vultar over this trip recently and will be sure to attract some support, but catching the eye of a broad swath of Tipstrr’s pundits is Andrew Balding’s lightly-raced four-year-old Lieber Power.
A winner at the second attempt over seven furlongs here 18 months ago, he has only been raced three times since, and was asked too much and clearly out of his depth when last seen coming 14th of 19 in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.
He returns to action at a more realistic level here under the notable presence of Oisin Murphy, who looks an ideal booking to see if Lieber Power can hit the ground running after being gelded during his recent nine-month break.
Balding has been producing horses in top shape so far this season (21% win rate, 48% place rate) and his partnership with Murphy continues to flourish as they teamed up to land back-to-back winners (8/1 and 9/4) at Newcastle on Friday.
Next best each-way punt: Lieber Power in the 16:40 at Kempton
READ MORE: Kempton racing tips: Best bets for Easter Monday April 1
