Strictly offers a silver lining
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Between the weather and John McCririck's lawyer, the new regime at Channel 4 has endured a fairly trying start – and things get no easier today, with all jump racing lost to snow. Though the Victor Chandler Chase has been rescheduled at Cheltenham next Saturday, for now the broadcaster is left hoping for the survival of all-weather cards at Lingfield and Kempton.
As it happens, the scheduled sport provides a legitimate snapshot of a maturing all-weather programme, with horses thriving at different levels to nourish betting turnover. It's good enough for John Gosden, after all, and the champion trainer sends one of the day's more interesting runners to Kempton in Fluctuate (2.55). Having looked promising in the spring, he disappeared after disappointing at Newmarket in August but resurfaces in blinkers and, as a well-built animal, surely has more to offer after four starts.
Light From Mars (2.20) did well to hold on for second after contesting a strong pace the other day, but the best race is at Lingfield, where Strictly Silver (3.10) can see off a competitive field. Having repeatedly shaped well on turf last season, he was entitled to need the run at this course last time and appeals as the type to take to this kind of test.
Turf account
Chris McGrath's Nap
Sextons House (5.05 Kempton)
Next best
Strictly Silver (3.10 Lingfield)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments