The Voice of Value: Apprentice jockeys worth their weight

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I’M focusing on Kempton and Warwick today with excellent cards at both tracks and there are three good bets I have picked out.

As it happens all three are ridden by apprentice jockeys who hopefully put their weight allowances to good use in these competitive handicaps.

2.25 Warwick

The way that BLACK IVORY won at Aintree last time suggested he has loads more improvement to come. He comes into this race with an extra 6lb in weight in the handicap but this is a better race so he is still down near the bottom of the handicap and he also has apprentice jockey Jamie Hamilton getting a 3lb allowance. Black Ivory is versatile in terms of ground so there is nothing to worry about on that front and I can see him going really close here.

2.40 Kempton

The Lanzarote Hurdle is not named after the Canary Island but the horse of the same name who won the Champion Hurdle back in the 70s. Come to think of it the horse must have been named after the island so in a roundabout way the race is too.

It’s always a really competitive race but I think this year it has perhaps slightly less strength in depth than recent years. Recent past winners include Tea For Two, Saphir De Rheu and Modus so it often takes a classy horse to win it and the one I have a strong fancy for is WILLIAM HENRY for Nicky Henderson. The superb young jockey James Bowen is in the saddle with his useful claim of 5lb that surely won’t last too much longer as he continues to bang in the winners. The horse had looked classy over hurdles last season and was switched to fences this season which didn’t end well so here he is back over hurdles and running in a handicap. I think he’ll go on to win graded races over hurdles and could be hard to beat in this.

3.35 Warwick

There is a cracking race in prospect here over the marathon trip with plenty of old favourites like Emperor’s Choice, Cogry and Russe Blanc in the field. The one I fancy to run really well is KRACKATOA KING for Kerry Lee. He has been consistent lately and this extended trip on soft ground will be right up his street. The jockey Richard Patrick gets a 5lb allowance which will be even more valuable given the long distance.

Recommended bets

2.25 Warwick – Black Ivory – 3pt win at 5-1 with Betfred and Bet365
2.40 Kempton – William Henry – 3pt win at 6-1 with Ladbrokes, Skybet and others
3.35 Warwick – Krackatoa King – 2pt each way at 9-1 with Bet365, Ladbrokes and Coral