NAP of the Day: Royally-bred colt to open his account at Kempton

The not-so-great British weather has put paid to both National Hunt cards on Wednesday, so it’s a rare November visit to the flat – Kempton, specifically – for my NAP of the Day.

I’m expecting a much-improved performance from Kevin Philippart De Foy’s Mukaafah at Kempton on Wednesday afternoon.

The beautifully-bred two-year-old, who’s by Blue Point and out of a Frankel mare, could ‘only’ manage fourth on his racecourse debut at Yarmouth last month, but there was plenty of promise in that run.

He travelled nicely despite testing conditions and, while never threatening the front two, made good late progress under a mainly hands and heels ride by Jack Mitchell. I fancy he learned plenty there and should come on for it significantly – and for a sounder surface.

It’s decent form, too. The three who finished in front of the selection all had the benefit of at least one run – fair form too – and the winner has since placed in a Listed race at Doncaster won by the 104-rated Ballymount Boy.

What I find most interesting is that Mukaafah was backed into 11/8f at Yarmouth, despite being a complete novice up against wiser individuals from top yards – a clear indicator as to the regard he’s held in at Machell Place Stables.

Jim Crowley takes the reigns this afternoon, which is no negative, and this time it’s the selection who boasts an experience edge over the majority of his 11 rivals.

Only four have had a run, two of whom are completely unfancied. Engineer is the third and there’s no doubt he brings the strongest form to the table, but a seven-pound penalty for winning an average-enough race earlier this month makes him vulnerable in my book.

The Ralph Beckett and Archie Watson newcomers, Not Afraid and Morning Suit respectively, should be watched closely in the market, but if Mukaafah improves as much as I hope he will, they’ll need to be above average to beat him first time out.