Quinz looks cut out for Kempton success

Quinz can defy his relative inexperience and make his mark in the Racing Post Chase at Kempton. The seven-year-old is still qualified to run in novice company after connections abandoned his initial try over fences last season. While that did not work out, he held his own over hurdles last term but was really marking time for another crack at chasing.

Philip Hobbs had him ready for his return, with Quinz powering home by 23 lengths on his seasonal bow at Exeter before following up with similar ease at Ascot. He was then pitched in against RSA Chase favourite Time For Rupert at Cheltenham before Christmas and was not disgraced in finishing third.

Quinz was keen throughout that day so it was no surprise he ran out of gas in the finish on a testing track. Kempton presents a few less challenges on that front and Quinz is a live contender at a track which may well suit him better, especially with Richard Johnson in the saddle.

Nicky Henderson dominated proceedings at Ascot last weekend and can claim his fair share of glory on the undercard. He landed the bettingsite.com Adonis Juvenile Hurdle with Soldatino on his British bow last year and the wily trainer can repeat the trick with Molotof.

The French import showed decent form across the Channel and the fact that he makes his debut in a contest such as this is a tip in itself. The master of Seven Barrows unleashes another interesting recruit in the williamhill.com Dovecote Novices' Hurdle in Celtus. The four-year-old was another to show smart form in France and could book a ticket to the Cheltenham Festival with a bold show against older horses.

Charlie Longsdon has had the totesport.com Eider Handicap Chase in mind for Minella Boys for a while, and his planning can pay off in the marathon four-mile-one-furlong event. The nine-year-old went down by just under a length in the Classic Chase at Warwick last time, where he was coming back at winner West End Rocker with every stride.

Minella Boys can deal with heavy ground and he will need plenty of stamina to see out this trip in very testing conditions.

Similarly deep ground is guaranteed at Chepstow and Neil Harvey should thrive in the Lindley Catering Novices' Chase.