Kempton Horse Racing Tips: Scarlet Rocks

Five days ago I tipped Scarlet Rocks, and after finishing fourth I’m glad I’ve got a chance to win back my losses so soon; she runs in the 4.35 at Kempton.

Last time out I’m not sure Nicky Mackay got the fractions quite right. After getting to the front from a poor draw, the jockey slowed the pace around the turn rather than kicking for home. Without enough of a lead she got swamped at the finish.

This brings me onto a more general theory I have about pace, particularly over sprint trips. When I see a horse make all, they generally achieve it by setting a consistent pace. If they set off too fast then stamina runs out. However if they slow the pace mid-race, as Nicky Mackay did, it allows the fast finishers to stay in touch. That is bad because you want to draw the sting out of the closers by forcing them to race faster and earlier in the race than they would like. It is a tricky skill to master, something I call the Goldilocks pace, not too fast but not too slow.

Every horse has a different style of racing and I could be completely wrong about Scarlet Rocks. Dropped down in trip and drawn well in stall four I expect a much more positive ride and perhaps this time she will make all and win at 7/2 with Ladbrokes.

*Best Odds Guaranteed – Ladbrokes
Back Scarlet Rocks with Ladbrokes as they are best price and offer Best Odds Guaranteed. If the starting price (SP) is bigger than the current price, you get paid at the bigger SP.