Lanzarote Hurdle Betting Tips

I don't think there's a punter in the land who hasn't occasionally kicked him or herself after a race, bemoaning their own foolishness for not seeing the clearly obvious. I speak from experience, I might add. However, this very experience is part of a punting education which teaches us that there are instances when you should stop delving between the lines. Racing Demon's participation in the intercasio.co.uk Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday is a case in point. At 9/2 with bet365, Henrietta Knight's charge is an absolute steal - one of the best bets of the National Hunt season so far. Indeed, sometimes horses are given a spin over timber simply to prepare them for when they attempt to fry the big fish. Don't get me wrong, the seven-year-old's participation in this race is clearly part of a wider plan, but connections could have chosen a small conditions hurdle somewhere. But no, they are pitching him in a competitive handicap hurdle - despite the fact that he has 11st 11lb to lump around - and the big pot on offer would be alluring for any stable. The hint should be taken. Racing Demon is able to race off a mark 12lb below that off which he was officially rated when third in the King George over three miles on the chase course here on Boxing Day. Prior to that creditable effort in defeat, the selection beat quality opposition with a degree of comfort in the prestigious Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon. Like Kempton, that Cambridgeshire track is right-handed and sharp in nature. Soft going clearly suits the gelding - he registered one of his most impressive victories on similar going at Sandown last season - and the Lanzarote distance of 2m 5f is probably his optimum trip. I have to say, I really cannot understand why Racing Demon is not a 6-4 shot. Most of these rivals are either out of sorts or simply not in the same league as Graham Lee's mount. Don't forget, this was the horse that was unlucky not to land the Sun Alliance Hurdle at the penultimate Cheltenham Festival. He's in a different parish to these. The main danger is clearly the Irish raider, Finger On The Pulse, who comes here in cracking form following back to back victories at Naas in October and will relish the prevailing conditions. However, he is rated 25lb higher than for the first of those two wins, which is a ridiculous hike in my opinion. Despite a useful 7lb claimer taking the ride, he looks plenty high enough in the weights for what he has actually achieved. The likes of Nation State and Whispered Promises are regulars in races like this and both, particularly the latter, boast excellent each-way claims, while underfoot conditions will aid the causes of Afrad and Rayshan, both of whom merit respect. Conversely, the former's stablemate, Royals Darling, appears better suited to genuine good ground. Take A Mile is aged just five and is open to plenty of improvement. Brendan Powell's progressive hurdler took the scalp of Fenix at Fontwell last time. He was idling on the run-in and was probably value for more than the three-length winning margin. Furthermore, he has been raised just 6lb for that and his rider's claim means that he is competing off a feather weight. As such, I envisage a bold show from the gelding. Verdict - 2pts Racing Demon @ 9/2 (bet365)