Kempton free racing tip: Five-time season winner to give returning favourite food for thought

19:40 Kempton: Unibet Improved Bet Builder Handicap (1 mile)

That early favourite is Dolce Courage, who gave trainers John and Thady Gosden two hard-fought wins in his only outings as a two-year-old this time last year, and looks well treated to go well on his handicap debut.

However, almost a full year off the track might work against him and give his rivals a sniff, with Fantasy Believer one of those most likely to challenge if able to return to the form that saw him complete a summer hat-trick before struggling on Newbury’s unsuitably soft ground last time out.

Even more eye-catching is the Kieran Burke-trained Whitcombe Rockstar, who has been on a winning spree this season, finishing five of his six 2024 starts in the winner’s circle, with four of those victories coming over this course and distance.

The last of those impressive successes came 46 days ago when claiming the Class 2 London Mile Final in good style, overcoming a wide draw to ease home with more than a length in hand.

He is clearly in top nick and should now be suitably refreshed and ready to resume his winning form in what is a step down to Class 3 company, albeit having incurred the wrath of the handicapper with a 6lb rise.

Burke is showing a very healthy 41-unit profit when having just the one runner at a flat meeting and he has clearly sent one his prize performers here with the intention of enhancing that statistic.

Jockey Josephine Gordon does not get her fair share of bookings, but she has guided Whitcombe Rockstar to four of his five wins this term, and looks well equipped to put him in the mix again here.

Suggested Bet: Whitcombe Rockstar each-way in the 19:40 at Kempton

• Tip and preview provided by David Xristo on Tipstrr