Kempton preview: Wordcraft weighted to strike on handicap debut

Wordcraft created a good impression when scoring on debut and looks weighted to follow-up on handicap debut in the 7f feature contest on this evening’s seven-race card at Kempton (20.10).

The Charlie Appleby-trained filly beat Bella Nostalgia by 1 /12 lengths in the 12-runner affair at Newmarket, travelling well throughout and showing a smart turn of foot inside the final furlong to quickly put the race to bed.

It was a most taking performance, and one which suggested the daughter of Shamardal needing keeping on side.

The manner of the victory suggested that Wordcraft could be above average, and an opening handicap mark of 81 may seriously underestimate her ability.

Another plus is that Appleby has a strike rate of 28 per cent with his runners at the Sunbury-on-Thames venue in the past 12 months, and with William Buick in the saddle Wordcraft can take this before going on to better things.

Rouge Nuage bounced back to form when runner-up last time out and can go one better to land the 7f handicap (20.40).

The Conrad Allen-trained gelding travelled strongly before going down by just 3/4 of a length to Kakatosi in a 7f contest at Wolverhampton seven days ago, and the pair pulled 2 3/4 lengths clear of the third to give the form a solid look.

Rouge Nuage is due to go up 2lb for that effort, so it’s no surprise to see connections turn the five-year-old quickly off an unchanged mark of 77.

From a decent draw in stall six, it makes the the son of Indian Haven look weighted to run a huge race in the hands of Jimmy Quinn.

In the 6f handicap that closes proceedings (21.10), Gold Waltz can get back to winning ways now returned to the polytrack surface and partnered by Richard Hughes for the first time.