On 25 February, Kempton Park Racecourse hosted a lively seven-race all-weather card on the Polytrack, featuring a mix of handicaps, novice talent, and a European Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier. From the 5:05pm opener to the 8:10pm finale, the meeting offered tactical intrigue and showcased promising performances across every division.
The spotlight firmly belonged to the 7:10pm feature, the European Road to the Kentucky Derby Conditions Stakes (Class 3). Hidden Force, ridden with confidence by William Buick, stamped his authority on proceedings with a polished display. Travelling strongly throughout, he quickened decisively in the straight to secure a notable success, boosting his credentials on the international Derby pathway and giving connections plenty to look forward to this season.
The evening began with the 5:05pm Handicap Stakes (Class 6) over seven furlongs. Hove Ranger (FR) justified strong support under Tom Queally, producing a well-timed challenge inside the final furlong to land the opener and set the tone for the card.
At 5:40pm, the Novice Stakes (Class 4) saw progressive three-year-old Ablon (FR) build on earlier promise. Sean Levey positioned his mount prominently before asserting late on, marking him down as a colt with further improvement to come.
The 6:10pm Handicap Stakes (Class 3) maintained the competitive edge. Kingdom Come (IRE), partnered by Rossa Ryan, delivered a strong finishing effort over seven furlongs, tracking the leaders before striking for home approaching the final furlong.
Milers took centre stage in the 6:40pm Handicap Stakes (Class 5), a London Mile Series Qualifier. 1 Am Me (IRE), ridden by Cieren Fallon, showed admirable determination to fend off late challengers, securing valuable series qualification in the process.
Stamina came into play at 7:40pm in the Handicap Stakes (Class 4), a London Middle Distance Series Qualifier over 1m 2f 219y. Moment of Light, with Pat Cosgrave aboard, produced a measured ride to stay on strongly in the closing stages, mastering rivals in the final strides.
The finale at 8:10pm, the Handicap Stakes (Class 5) over six furlongs, provided a sharp conclusion. Combustion, ridden by Joey Haynes, broke smartly and maintained momentum throughout, holding off late pressure to seal victory in the London Sprint Series Qualifier.
From sprint finishes to Derby ambitions, Kempton’s all-weather card on 25 February blended emerging talent with seasoned handicappers. Hidden Force’s feature success ensured the meeting will be remembered as a key stepping stone on the European Road to the Kentucky Derby, while the supporting races showcased depth across every division.
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