Eulogy looks to be well treated

For a horse nominated by his trainer as a possible candidate for leading honours over fences, Eulogy looks weighted to win the Hanworth Handicap Chase at Kempton Park today. A terrible blunder four from home in the Grade One Feltham Novices' Chase last time out left Kempton's packed Christmas crowds `oohing' and `aahing' as jockey David Bridgwater performed wonders to stay aboard.

But his mount had been travelling well on the heels of the leaders and seemingly ready to pounce at any time. After his mistake, Eulo- gy was not unduly punished and left to come home in his own time.

As a result, the handicapper has been unable to punish his performance as he might have done had he beaten the top-flight performers who finished in front of him and the gelding may well have been let in lightly here.

Having jumped well prior to his last outing, and sure to have been well-schooled since, he is napped to belie his lack of experience over fences and return to winning form.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Tompetoo is a very interesting contender for the Royal Mail Handicap Hurdle over an extended three miles. He can confidently be expected to leave his past form behind now that he steps up in distance as he has always looked as though stamina was his strong suit.

Not that his previous form is at all shabby. The gelding won at Chepstow and finished a good fourth to Princeful from four starts over two miles last term.

His stable was woefully out of sorts when he reappeared at Worcester in November, yet he finished a creditable fourth despite running as though the race was needed.

With his trainer in much better form now, everything points to Tompetoo's landing another win for him today.