LOTHARIO and BLAZE OF HEARTS go head to head in the 8.45 at Kempton this evening, a 7f handicap and if the betting is anything to go by, it’s a close run thing!
The former, a maiden, is a top priced 6/1 while the four-times winner, including last time out over course and distance, is a best priced 7/1 shot. Will jockey bookings help decide?
Robert Winston is aboard Blaze, having won on him in three of his four victories so it’s logical he should have the leg up on the form horse. However, the year younger Lothario ran a cracker under Adam Kirby two runs ago and Rob Hornby is a good jockey booking tonight.
In terms of raw, natural ability, Lothario gets the nod and once highly regarded in the yard, injuries have prevented him from showing his best. It may be that those injuries have left their toll but it could still be too early to cast him aside.
Half an hour earlier at 8.15pm, Dark Magic is the 22/1 outsider of ten in the first division of the 7f handicap. Disappointing this season, the return to polytrack may help and he could bounce back to form under Jack Duern.
