Ducal can complete hat-trick in Kempton feature

By Stephen, bettingexpert.com | Published 00:01 30.04.2012

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Mike Murphy's progressive Ducal is fancied to land a course and distance hat-trick in Kempton's Betfair.com handicap at 5.15 this afternoon.

The 4-y-o has improved with virtually every start in a ten race career, winning three times and finishing in the frame on four other occassions. His recent spree means he has been raised in the weights to his highest ever mark, but his run style (produced late on having travelled smoothly) means he may still be a step ahead of the handicapper and he can win again under regualar rider John Fahy.

Main danger for the £6300 prize money may come from Jo Crowley's Dubarshi. He returned from sixteen months on the sidelines when running our selection very close 33 days ago, and if avoiding the dreaded "bounce" factor, seems sure to go close again on more favourable terms.

Knonstantin was a progressive performer for Marcus Tregoning when last seen in action 244 days ago. He won two decent handicaps at Brighton and Epsom and is respected if fully tuned up. However, his stable has yet to fire on the turf and he only beat two rivals in three races at this venue when last attempting the surface.

The Guru of Gloom is another returning after eight months on the sidelines. He is proven here, winning two course and distance handicaps last Autumn and the market will guide as to what is expected fitness wise on his seasonal debut.

Aldermoor represents the ultra shrewd Stuart Williams yard that always has the layers on their guard. He steps up in trip this afternoon having won two sprints at Lingfield recently and it must be doubtful whether his stamina will hold out in what is sure to be a strongly run affair.

Perhaps Sea Soldier can outrun his price, with the Andrew Balding stable having made a fast start to the season. He competed in useful handicaps at the big tracks last term and has always been well regarded. The 4-y-o is reunited with Jimmy Fortune who won on him last June at Warwick, and the assesor has dropped him in the ratings after two disappointing runs.

In summary, a very tight handicap but Ducal may still have more to offer despite being lumped up the weights. At around 6-1 this morning he is worthy of a small each-way investment to swoop late on if getting some fortune in running from stall three.

Stephen's Monday Nap Mutafaakir 2.45 Kempton

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