REST OF KEMPTON

THURSDAY

PAUL Nicholls often points out that taking on Henderson at the present time, given the latter’s formidable strength in depth, is a huge task.

This is fair comment but he keeps sending out winners and had a double on this Kempton card to go with the one at Chepstow.

Completing the double was Adrien Du Pont, also ridden by Harry Cobden. The six-year-old was given plenty of time in the 32Red.com Handicap Chase over three miles and shrugged off a mistake at the 11th before moving through to lead at the last. He found plenty on the run-in and drew clear to beat Just A Sting by over three lengths.

Cobden has a way of persuading horses to run kindly for him and Adrian Du Pont, who pulled too hard at Newbury the time before, settled better here. Nicholls always felt he would stay three miles if proving more amenable and he was proven correct.

“He’ll come back here for the big handicap in February,” the trainer added.

KELLY’S CLAIM

Lizzie Kelly has been quiet after the exploits of last season but she was at her best on Culture De Sivola, who was produced on the final turn in the three-mile mares’ handicap hurdle and went away to beat Molly Childers by just under two lengths.

The runner-up stuck to the task very well, suggesting that Kelly’s 3lb claim on the winner was an important factor in the outcome.

Trained by Nick Williams, Culture De Sivola, a prolific winner despite having to overcome a serious back injury, may well have her sights raised with a Grade 2 for mares at Ascot in the offing. There are many more such races for the distaff side these days.

EDDIEMAURICE WINS

Bridgend trainer John Flint likes to send one across the bridge to land the occasional decent handicap and he did the trick with Eddiemaurice, who looked fairly treated in the closing two-mile hurdle on 32Red day and went clear for Nick Scholfield to beat Unison by three lengths.

It was good to see the jockey on a winner on such a competitive day because things have been quiet of late.

The bookmakers were happy enough to see the 9/1 chance go in and had started the day in very nearly cheerful mood when Gary Moore’s 25/1 shot Beat The Judge took the introductory juvenile hurdle.

“I didn’t expect him to win,” the trainer admitted, showing that honesty is all the rage at Christmas-time.