Kempton turf track 26th December 2025, Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices’ Chase (In Memory Of Nigel Clark) (Grade 1) (Gbb Race) (G1) 13.20 UK Time
Salver is trained by Gary and Josh Moore and ridden by Caoilin Quinn.
This six-year-old finished a close second by a head to Blueking d’Oroux at Sandown most recently on 5th December in a Grade 2 novices’ chase over three miles on soft ground.
He has shown strong form with four hurdle wins and a chase success from two miles to three miles.
He performs best on good to soft to heavy going, with multiple wins on similar conditions.
He has no previous runs at Kempton but has excelled on right-handed tracks like Sandown.
His current handicap rating reflects his progressive profile.
Fitness is excellent following his recent outing.
Experience includes high-class hurdle form, and he handles the class well.
Kitzbuhel is trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend.
This horse won his most recent start on 22nd November at Punchestown in a beginners’ chase over two miles three furlongs on soft to heavy ground.
He has solid hurdle form, including a third in a Grade 2 and fifth in a Grade 1.
He acts on good ground but showed improvement on heavier conditions last time.
No form at Kempton or similar UK tracks.
His handicap rating suggests room for improvement.
Fitness appears good after his November success.
Experience is limited over fences, but his class from hurdles makes him interesting.
Blueking d’Oroux is trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Harry Cobden.
This horse won his latest race on 5th December at Sandown in a Grade 2 novices’ chase over three miles, beating Salver by a head on soft ground.
Prior to that, he had a poor run at Fontwell but won at Wincanton in November in another Grade 2 over two and a half miles.
He thrives on soft going, with wins on similar.
He has form on right-handed tracks like Sandown, which is comparable to Kempton.
His handicap rating is high at 150.
Fitness is sharp after recent victories.
Experience at this level is proven, and he handles the class.
Wendigo is trained by Jamie Snowden and ridden by Gavin Sheehan.
This horse scored on his most recent outing on 28th November at Newbury in a Grade 2 novices’ chase over two miles four furlongs on good to soft ground.
Previously, he finished fifth in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Cheltenham.
He performs well on good to soft going, as shown in his latest win.
He has form on right-handed tracks like Newbury, similar to Kempton.
His handicap rating is 143.
Fitness is solid following his November run.
Experience over fences is building, with class from hurdles.
Crest Of Fortune is trained by Anthony Honeyball and ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies.
This horse ran in the Grade 2 at Newbury on 28th November, finishing behind Wendigo over two miles four furlongs on good to soft ground.
He has a win from earlier in the year at Ayr in a novice hurdle.
He acts on good to soft going.
No specific form at Kempton, but he has handled left-handed tracks.
His handicap rating is lower at 125.
Fitness is reasonable after recent efforts.
Experience at graded level is limited, but he shows some potential.
Thomas Mor is trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White and ridden by Ben Jones.
This horse won his latest start on 21st November at Ascot in a Class 2 beginners’ chase over two miles five furlongs on good to soft ground.
Previously, he was fourth in a novice handicap chase at Doncaster in January.
He performs well on good to soft going.
He has form on right-handed tracks like Ascot, comparable to Kempton.
His handicap rating is 142.
Fitness is good after his November victory.
Experience over fences includes a win, with solid class.
Simulation Results:
The percentage chances are: Salver 36%, Blueking d’Oroux 32%, Wendigo 18%, Kitzbuhel 10%, Crest Of Fortune 2%, Thomas Mor 2%.
Equivalent fractional odds from percentages: Salver 16/9, Blueking d’Oroux 17/8, Wendigo 41/9, Kitzbuhel 9/1, Crest Of Fortune 49/1, Thomas Mor 49/1.
The best bet is Salver.
The two value selections are Salver and Blueking d’Oroux, as their live betting odds are higher than the calculated fair odds.
There are no steamer bets, as no horses meet the criteria of early prices higher than live by at least 4 points.
Trends base don last 12 years:
Salver meets 12 of the trends.
Wendigo meets 11 of the trends.
Blueking d’Oroux meets 10 of the trends.
Kitzbuhel meets 9 of the trends.
Crest Of Fortune meets 6 of the trends.
Thomas Mor meets 6 of the trends.
In order of preference based on the number of trends matched: Salver, Wendigo, Blueking d’Oroux, Kitzbuhel, Crest Of Fortune, Thomas Mor.
