Little Chunk ran as if in need of the race at Ludlow earlier this month on his debut for Kim Bailey may be ready to strike in the Visit Racing UK.com Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (3.40) at Kempton on Monday. The Mr Dinos gelding closed on the eventual winner, Tempuran, with three to jump at Ludlow but, having narrowed the lead to a length and a half, could make no further impression in the closing stages. Ridden, once again, by regular partner Mikey Hamill, who won on him a couple of times for previous connections last season, he should strip fitter on this occasion.
Both wins last season came on sharp tracks on good going, so Kempton should play to his strengths, and he has run well enough on soft and heavy going to make him of interest whatever the weather in Sunbury-on-Thames in the next 24 hours. Of the 10 rides Mikey Hamill has had for Kim Bailey over hurdles this season, just one has won, but four have finished second and two have finished third, so a forward showing for Little Chunk, even in this slightly higher grade, would be no real surprise.
Selection: Kempton 3.40 Little Chunk to win 10/3