PNicholls

Betfair sponsor Friday's card at Kemtpon - here are my thoughts on American Trilogy, Rebel Rebellion and Pasco

14:05
American Trilogy: Has obviously been disappointing since winning the 2009 County Hurdle, and fell over hurdles at Wincanton first time out this season and then took a nasty tumble on his chasing debut at Plumpton. Although he ran well in a Jumpers' Bumper at Kempton in December, it is clear that he has lost a bit of pace so we step him up in trip here. A nice clear round is the priority but he has done loads of schooling and jumped as well as he has done at home when we put him over what I call the proper fences on the grass recently. He could run ok, and the race has cut up to just five runners.

14:35
Rebel Rebellion: Showed some fair form when with Charlie Mann last season, finishing a good third to Megastar on good ground at Sandown before winning his bumper at Southwell. Went off the 11-10 favourite on his hurdling debut for us at Ascot in November, but disappointed badly. But he choked there and has had a breathing operation since. I am hoping to see him in a much better light on better ground today, but he will improve for the run. And this will probably be his last run of the season as chasing will be this winning pointer's game next year.

15:45
Pasco: I would like to see a bit more rain for him, but he loves a flat track and this could be a perfect race for him. As everyone knows, he loves Newbury and finished another good second there in November. He is in good form and was still going well when falling 3 out here in a Graduation Chase won by Duc De Regniere in 2009. Obviously meets a couple of potentially high-class chasers in Punchestowns and Crack Away Jack, and has it to do at these weights, but I think he has a decent chance all the same and could still be a possible for the Racing Post Chase after this, or maybe even a handicap at Newbury next month.

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