Today’s Horse Racing Tip – Lanzarote Hurdle 2018

River Frost, in the colours of last year’s winner Modus, has emerged as Ante-Post favourite for the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday. JP McManus’ six-year-old shaped well on his seasonal debut in the Grade 3 Silver Trophy Handicap at Chepstow in October and the form has worked out really well. Most notable is Sam Spinner who finished runner up to Court Minstrel, Jedd O’Keefe’s charge has followed up with wins at Haydock and Ascot to push himself to the head of the Stayers Hurdle betting market.

The Chepstow race has produced seven individual winners since and it appears trainer Alan King has been waiting for a big handicap to reproduce River Frost. King’s stable is in great form at present and market support for the gelding is another positive sign.

Market rival Bags Groove finished almost two lengths behind the selection at Chepstow and on 9lbs worse terms, it’s difficult to make a big case for the Harry Fry-trained six-year-old despite his obvious progress this season.

Nicky Henderson’s Diese des Bieffes looks another that can progress to a higher level. Runner-up to the talented If The Cap Fits at this course on Boxing Day, he should be suited by the step up in trip on Saturday and looks to be in on a very competitive mark. Henderson also holds an entry for William Henry, a useful novice hurdler last term who is probably in need of a confidence boost after his inauspicious chasing debut at Cheltenham in November.

Topofthegame is another destined for a future over the larger obstacles. Paul Nicholls’ charge was a well-supported favourite when falling on his chasing debut at Newbury but holds a good chance here having shown impressive form over hurdles last season.

Spiritofthegames is an improving type and worthy of consideration. Dan Skelton’s runner came from off the pace to land a Lingfield handicap in November and a 5lb penalty for that performance won’t put off his supporters.

Other dangers are top weight Irving who gave a good account in the Fighting Fifth, Coeur Blimey an eight-length winner over two miles in heavy ground at Wincanton and Jenkins, a potentially well-handicapped entry from Nicky Henderson’s yard.

The forecast for Kempton is fairly dry and the going is expected to be good by the time the race arrives. This should suit our tip, River Frost who stands out amongst a number of unexposed types.

Today’s horse racing tip: Back River Frost to win the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday