Kempton Preview: Diva can deliver under Queally

Imaginary Diva can take advantage of a drop in the weights to land the 5f handicap at Kempton today (2.05) now reunited with jockey Tom Queally.

The George Margarson trained mare is on a long losing run, having not scotred since landing a class 5 handicap at Yarmouth back in August 2013 off a mark of 54 in the hands of Queally.

However, the daughter of Lend A Hand has run well to be placced on five occassions in 15 subsequent starts and only once been partnered by Queally in that period.

That came when the duo finished third at Southwell off a mark of 60 in a class 6 handicap won by Spic n’ Span, and Imaginary Diva is now able to race off a mark of just 45.

That is 9lb lower than when Imaginary Diba was last successful and the lowest rating she has ever run off in her career.
It gives the nine-year-old major claims at the weights on the pick of her form, especially now dropped into class 7 company.

The fact that connections have now decided to put Queally back in the saddle also looks significant, and from a good draw in stall five everything points to a big run in a race which won’t take much winning and represents the easiest task Imaginary Diva has faced for some time.

In the 1m 2f handicap (2.35), Runaiocht can gain a deserved first career success following a string of solid efforts.

The Paul Burgoyne trained gelding is a long standing maiden, but comes into the contest on the back of three decent runs in a higher grade and looks on a handy mark.

The five-year-old ran well to finish fourth of 12 to Graceilly in a class 6 contest at this over a mile off 51, and backed that up with a solid staying on fourth of 13 to Time Square over course and distance in a similar grade affair off 50.

Runaiocht then put in a cracking effort last time out at Lingfield when runner-up to the thriving Sabre Rock in in a 14-runner class 6 contest, and is able to race in this lower grade class 7 affair off the same mark of 50.
That gives the son of Teoflio every chance of bagging the spoils is a weak contest consisting mainly of out-of-form rivals.

Selections:
2.05: Imaginary Diva (NAP)
2.35: Runaiocht (NB)
3.10: Zebs Lad
3.45: Solstalla
4.15: Artistic Flight
4.45: Rocket Ronnie
5.15: Vejovis