Northern challenger Red Marauder can make a successful raid on the Racing Post Chase at Kempton today. Norman Mason's gelding is unbeaten in five starts over fences but has had his promising career restricted by injury and when he reappeared at Wetherby earlier this month he was having his first race for 14 months which makes his victory all the more meritorious.
Held up in the rear by regular partner and assistant trainer Richard Guest, the 10year-old made steady headway to challenge at the last and, soon leading, quickened away in good style to beat Flying Instructor by four lengths.
He will not have matters all his own way today with top novice Gloria Victis and Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup contender Brother Of Iris in opposition.
However, the lightly-raced Red Ma- rauder remains open to sufficient improvement to land the £43,500 first prize today.
Through The Rye is famous for finishing last in the 1999 Derby and providing Martin Pipe with the success which made him the winning-most trainer in Britain when trotting up at Folkestone last time.
And now the four-year-old can make a name for himself with victory in the Voice Newspaper Adonis Juvenile Novices' Hurdle.
He has won both his starts over timber - albeit against moderate rivals - in the manner of a very decent prospect and he can book his place in the line-up for the Elite Racing Club Triumph Hurdle by taking this Grade Two contest.
Young Kenny stands out as the best bet of the day in the Stg£100,000 De Vere Gold Cup on rain-softened ground at Haydock Park.
Peter Beaumont's Martell Grand National favourite landed this race last year, beating Fiddling The Facts by 13 lengths when in receipt of 12lb from Nicky Henderson's mare.
Young Kenny meets Fiddling The Facts on 22lb worse terms this time but such is the extent of the gelding's improvement that he should have little difficulty confirming last year's form.
He went on to take the Midlands and Scottish Grand Nationals last season and, after two moderate efforts this term, he returned to his best at Uttoxeter three weeks ago when he stayed on resolutely to account for Edmond by three and a half lengths. Clearly in good heart and with underfoot conditions to suit Young Kenny is awarded the nap to win again.
Some useful sorts are set to go to post for the Greens Health And Fitness Handicap Chase with Flying Instructor, Luzcadou and Aghawadda Gold all holding major chances.
And it could pay to side with recent dual Ayr winner Luzcadou to complete his threetimer in this tough heat particularly as this ex-French gelding relishes plenty of cut in the ground.
