News Harry Fry to delay decision on Kempton target for Acting Lass

Harry Fry to delay decision on Kempton target for Acting Lass

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Ante-post favourite Acting Lass is not yet a definite runner in the Betdaq Handicap Chase at Kempton on Saturday.

Trainer Harry Fry has also given his progressive seven-year-old an entry in the Pendil Novices' Chase, which has been reopened until Tuesday, on the same card.

Fry will study both races before deciding which of the two his unbeaten chaser might go for this weekend.

The Seaborough handler, who has a second string to his bow in the three-mile handicap chase in Wotzizname, said: " There are no definite plans for either horse, with Acting Lass also entered for the Pendil.

"He'll probably go for one or the other. We will look at the entries and then decide.

"We can't complain about what he's done so far.

"Wotzizname is a novice but this is a race worth taking a look at for him."

Acting Lass's main market rival is Gold Present, who now heads the weights after 19 horses were confirmed for the three-mile feature.

The eight-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson, has won both starts this season but was denied the chance of a hat-trick at Saturday when he was a late withdrawal at Ascot because of a slight setback.

Henderson also has course winner Josses Hill, who was a well-beaten fifth behind Betfair Ascot Chase hero Waiting Patiently on this track last month.

With original top-weight Frodon, who was third behind that horse on Saturday, taken out, the weights have gone up 9lb.

Paul Nicholls is triple-handed with Art Mauresque, As De Mee and Sametegal, while other trainers with two representatives are Nigel Twiston-Davies with Tintern Theatre and Ballykan and Charlie Longsdon, who has Loose Chips and Monbeg Charmer.

Longsdon reports Loose Chips to be on course for the race whatever the weather, but he would like the ground to dry out for Monbeg Charmer.

"Loose Chips will probably go no matter what. I'd also be keen to run Monbeg Charmer but it would need to dry out a little bit. I wouldn't want the ground too soft for him," said the Chipping Norton handler.

"I'm very pleased with both horses.

"They are both in the handicap now, so at least we've got that to look forward to. It gives us something to aim at.

"I'd like them both to go if they can."

Theatre Guide could take his chance again for Coin Tizzard having finished third to Pilgrims Bay 12 months ago and won the race in 2016.

Others in the mix include Jonjo O'Neill's Go Conquer and Vibrato Valtat from Emma Lavelle's stable.