Kempton: Acquittal primed to open account

Acquittal shaped really well when runner-up last time out and can go one better to open her account in the 6f handicap on today’s card at Kempton (17.45).

The James Famshawe trained filly went down by just 1 1/2 length to Birdie Queen in a 10-runner contest at Lingfield and looked unlucky not to finish closer.

After being held-up in mid division, the three-year-old made good headway two from home and looked to be coming with a well-timed effort when forced to switch at the furlong marker.

Acquittal lost vital ground and momentum, but stuck to the task really well to be gaining at the finish.

It was an effort which suggested Acquittal would be well up to winning a race of this nature, and a 1lb rise in the weights does not look harsh.

The daughter of Lawman also hails from a yard in terrific form at present, and Fanshawe has a strike rate of just over 21 per cent with his runners at the Sunbury-on-Thames venue in the past 12 months.

Another plus is that Acquittal has bagged a good draw in stall two, and everything points to a huge run.

Little Lotte caught the eye last time out and looks the answer to the 1m nursery (14.45) now stepped up further in trip.

The Karl Burke trained filly hinted at ability in three maiden runs when not knocked about, and looked the type who was being brought along steadily with handicaps in mind.

That view was confirmed when Little Lotte duly put in an improved performance to finish fourth over 7f at this venue off an opening mark of 52.

After being bumped at the start, the daughter of Kodiac showed plenty of pace to track the leaders before keeping on at the one pace on to be beaten 2 1/2 lengths.