Lord Protector to round off great week for Hobbs at Kempton

Cheltenham may be a hard act to follow but there is some good quality action at Kempton on Saturday. The card gets under way at 2.20 with Arkaim fancied to follow up a recent Leicester victory.

There is a huge field of 20 for the Kempton Park Silver Plate at 2.55. Lord Protector represents the in-form stable of Philip Hobbs and should run well at a good each-way price.

The likely favourite is the David Pipe-trained Legacy Gold who is seeking a fourth consecutive victory.  Alan King’s Seventh Sign is not out of it despite top weight while Golden Hoof could be worth watching in the betting market.

He was a useful novice for Nicky Henderson last season but this is his first start since a poor run at Haydock in November. Another Hero will have plenty of supporters for the Jonjo O’Neill/Tony McCoy combination.

The Silver Bowl at 3.30 looks equally competitive with The Romford Pele likely to head the market for Rebecca Curtis. He doesn’t win very often and it may be safer to side with Top Of The Range.

Al Alfa and Elenika are also consistent types while Bar De Ligne and Nearest The Pin cannot be ruled out. First Mohican should get back to winning ways in the Novices’ Hurdle at 4.05.

Alan King’s chestnut was a useful performer on the flat for the late Sir Henry Cecil and won well on his hurdling bow. He was no match for Irving last time out and plans to run at Cheltenham were abandoned.

King can double up in the 4.40 with Ned Stark, a promising second at Exeter. Many of King’s horses are coming on for their first run and he can get the better of Andy Kelly.

McCoy can round off the card with a winner on Oficial Ben. He has a big reputation after winning on the bridle in Ireland.

Selections: 2.20 Arkaim, 2.55 Lord Protector, 3.30 Top Of The Range, 4.05 First Mohican, 4.40 Ned Stark, 5.15 Mic Aubin, 5.50 Oficial Ben