Kempton preview: Flying Hammer can nail rivals

Trainer William Haggas has his team in terrific shape and Flying Hammer can provide the Newmarket handler with another winner in the 1m handicap on this evening’s card at Kempton (19.25).

The colt shaped with bags of promise on his sole run as a juvenile when third at Newmarket, finishing three places and 4 1/2 lengths in front of Crack Shot who has since won a handicap off 75.

Flying Hammer duly improved for that experience when overcoming an absence of 278 days to make a winning return to action at Chepstow three weeks ago.

After travelling strongly on the heels of the leaders, Flying Hammer showed a nice turn of foot to put the race to bed when driven to take up the running inside the final furlong and win easily by 1 1/2 lengths.

There was lots to like about the way in which the three-year-old got the job done, and the son of Acclamation looks a scopey type who has plenty more to offer.

An opening handicap mark of just 79 may seriously underestimate Flying Hammer’s ability, and he can take this before going on to better things.

In the 1m 2f handicap that opens proceedings (17.55), Poyle Sophie could be a cut-above her rivals.

The Ralph Beckett trained filly didn’t make her racecourse debut until May, and has shaped nicely in three outings without being unduly knocked about.

In the last of those the three-year-old plugged on to finish a never nearer sixth of 14 to Uele River in a 1m 2f maiden at Windsor, leaving the distinct impression that today’s step up in trip will suit.

Poyle Sophie has been allotted an opening mark of just 60 on the back of that effort, and is bred to be much better than that.

The daughter of Teofilo could potentially make a totally mockery of her lowly rating, and this weak looking class 5 contest against exposed rivals represents a golden opportunity for Poyle Sophie to open her account.