THIS WEEKEND greets us with an interesting mix of handicaps over both fences and hurdles.  One such handicap is the 2m5f Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton Park.  Named after the multiple course winner, this contest is normally won by an animal with a bit of class about them.  This is an attribute that top weight Kawangino possesses in abundance.  Good enough to be placed in the Coventry Stakes at two, he’s gone on to prove himself to be a very good hurdler with two eye-catching performances when fourth in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and fifth in last season’s Champion Hurdle.  Recent efforts over fences haven’t inspired much confidence but he has solid hurdles form already in the book; something that can’t necessarily be said for his rivals.  If the testing conditions don’t hinder him too much he could well reward the each-way punter.  The last race at Lingfield is a 10f handicap which should fall the way of Meditation.  Races run over this distance at Lingfield are invariably a crawl and then sprint finish and this should suit Ian Wood’s consistent mare.  She was beaten only a length into fifth in a tougher race last time out over course and distance and this may finally be her turn to get her head in front where it matters.

 Selections – 3.15 Kempton, 1 Kawangino e/w