Kempton (AW) 8:00 Result

Raggaas has the strongest recent form of anyone in this field - 4421 shows steady progression culminating in a win last time, and he's clearly on a sharp upward curve for a powerful Godolphin/Crisford operation with a St Mark's Basilica pedigree that suggests more improvement to come at 3. Jack Mitchell takes over which is a positive booking, and the 25-day gap since his last (winning) run suggests he's fresh and they're pressing on with a progressive type. He carries a fair weight at 133lbs/OR83 but that looks warranted given the trajectory. Sierra Sands (403114) and Shaman Champion (2-7003) both have question marks - Sierra Sands' recent win was likely against weaker, and Shaman Champion's form figures are far more mixed with a couple of poor efforts mixed among decent ones. Comic Hero has solid placed form but a 81-day layoff is a concern fitness-wise, and his solitary win came early in his campaign. Hardy's Hero (-23226) is frustratingly consistent without winning, suggesting he may find one better again. Manly Fireball wearing first-time cheekpieces could improve but starts from a wide draw (8) at 7f which is a disadvantage. Blakefell is quick to load off just 9 days but his mark of 78 looks like ceiling territory based on modest recent form. Raggaas ticks the key boxes: in-form, well-bred, improving, good ride, and a trainer team in form. He looks the most complete answer to this puzzle and represents an edge if he's not prohibitively short in the market given he looks under-appreciated relative to the in-form horses like Sierra Sands who may be shorter due to name recognition.