Ratings Update: Redicean triumphs in Adonis

The meat of Kempton’s Saturday card was provided by four graded races, though the Grade 2 Pendil Novices’ Chase was a pretty unappetising starter, effectively developing into a time trial for the long odds-on Cyrname (155p), who took full advantage of the shortcomings of his three rivals to win by 11 lengths.

The Adonis was a more interesting affair and saw an improved performance from Redicean (up 5 lb to 145p), who looked the complete package as he made it a perfect three from three at the track, making short work of a better quality of rival than he’d previously faced in Malaya (129), giving her 5 lb, and still having more to give at the line. Cheltenham will be a different test altogether for the Flat-bred Redicean, but there’s plenty to like about what he has achieved in his three starts, few Adonis winners of recent times running to such a high level, and he figures near the top of the Timeform ratings for the Triumph Hurdle along with the likes of Apple's Shakira and We Have A Dream.

A nice performance from the Alan King-trained Redicean who wins the Betdaq #ChangingForTheBettor Adonis Juvenile Hurdle and remains unbeaten over hurdles (3-3). pic.twitter.com/9qgaciYwrJ

— Kempton Park (@kemptonparkrace) February 24, 2018

Citizen looks smart

We also saw one of the best winners of the Dovecote in recent years in terms of ratings, with Global Citizen (up 18 lb to 145p) creating a terrific impression, maintaining his unbeaten record for Ben Pauling and hammering smart Flat performer Scarlet Dragon (128p) as well as Tolworth third Mont des Avaloirs (down 9 lb to 130+), who seemed beaten on merit back in fourth. Though Global Citizen holds entries for the Imperial Cup and the County Hurdle, it’s more likely that he’ll wait for Aintree, and he shouldn’t be underestimated there whatever the opposition.

Dee prolific

The feature handicap on the card, the Betdaq Handicap Chase, was a good quality affair if not one stacked with unexposed types beforehand, and as a result it’s likely to prove solid rather than really strong form. That said, the winner Master Dee (up 5 lb to 152) has a fairly remarkable overall record, never out of the first three in 21 starts under Rules, and he proved better than ever stepping back up to three miles after a break. The third Theatre Territory (loses her 'p', now 133) made a big move into contention earlier than the pair that beat her, and surely won’t remain a maiden over fences for long.

The bumper on Kempton’s card has a bit of a mixed recent history, but Saturday’s renewal produced an extremely exciting prospect in Danny Kirwan (107P), an easy winner of his only point who made a very striking Rules debut, beating the standard-setter Pym (106) with plenty still in the tank.

Danny Kirwan could have a very big future. Really hope they look after him this spring. pic.twitter.com/SSkKY6asXr

— Stu 'Jimbo' Williams (@Jimbo_JumpsMan) February 24, 2018

Lady Buttons stars at Newcastle

The highlights of Newcastle’s card on Saturday included Lady Buttons (up 7 lb to 144p) who was very impressive in taking her unbeaten record over fences to two. She has an excellent jumping technique and her connections can start to think big.

The Eider Chase was won by Baywing (up 4 lb to 147x), who jumped much more fluently than usual upped to a marathon trip for the first time. He’d been dropped 4 lb in the handicap since his close-up fifth in the Rowland Meydrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day and was by no means the first to boost the form of that race. He may well have the Scottish National on his agenda now, though it’s worth pointing out that his best efforts have come on testing ground.

Wayward Owen gifts Winter Derby to Master

The Winter Derby took place at Lingfield on Saturday and produced a dramatic finish, first-past-the-post Mr Owen (remains on 115) placed second having caused late interference to Master The World (up 2 lb to 117). The winner struggles for consistency but on this sort of performance would be right in the mix for the Easter Classic.

Gracious John (remains on 117) didn’t need to improve to take the listed Hever Sprint Stakes but bounced right back to his best following a couple of below-par displays. He’ll head to the Sprint final on Good Friday (which he was second in last year) with a good chance on this run, though he’d probably be up against it again if Kimberella (120), who beat him last year, turns up.

Top timefigure for Doctor Phoenix again

The best performances of the week on the clock over both hurdles and fences came on Sunday, with Old Guard (TF rating 151) getting the better of Lil Rockerfeller (TF rating 160) in the National Spirit at Fontwell, and Doctor Phoenix (up 2 lb to 157) bolting up in a Grade 3 at Naas in a good time.