6:00 Kempton Tips

Two good runs from the 4yo after wind surgery during December. Only beaten by a nose over this 8f C/D five weeks ago. Good RPR rating posted. Something to build on, and he was rated much higher last year.

He has a solid opportunity here following a close 2nd-place finish in his last race, indicating he is performing at his best. Trainer John Butler is currently excelling with an impressive strike rate, and with jockey Rossa Ryan on board, the chances of winning for this C&D victor are significantly enhanced.

Nordic Norm looks an interesting contender dropping into a to 70 handicap, with his current mark offering potential value based on earlier form. As a novice, he finished 2nd to Rahiebb, now rated 115 on the Flat, which reads as a strong piece of form in this context. He subsequently competed in higher-grade handicaps without quite progressing, but his efforts still suggest ability above this level. On his return for a new yard in December, he ran a solid 4th in a Class 4 (0 to 85) over 1m, beaten just 2 lengths by Invited, now rated 87 ??' another piece of form that stands up well. Now down to a mark of 69, he shaped very well last time out when beaten only a nose in a Class 5 (0 to 70), suggesting he’s ready to strike at this level. The wide draw is a concern tactically, but if he can overcome that, he looks to hold strong claims.

Billy Mill is a slightly risky proposition but has the back class to be competitive at this level. He has previously reached a mark of 82 and has winning form off 80, suggesting his current rating could be lenient. His last success came in a Class 5 (0 to 70) off 68, where he won by a length, but he has struggled to build on that after a rise in the weights. That said, his most recent run offered some encouragement, finishing 6th in a Class 5 (0 to 75), beaten 4 lengths, hinting at a possible return to form. He also has strong course credentials, including a win off 75 over 7f here in May and previous course-and-distance success earlier in his career. Now back down to a mark of 68 in a to 70, he is clearly well treated on his best form. While his recent profile makes him a risk, a return to anything like his peak level would give him definite claims.

Followed a third-place debut run with a win here in August 2022. Not seen again until finishing 10th of 11 here in December but showed that it retained some ability when eighth of 13 last month. Drops in class and should be fitter for having had those two recent runs. Holds an each-way chance.