Racing: Striker heads post field

A field of 15 is set to go to post for the Racing Post Chase at Kempton tomorrow, with Norman Mason’s Red Striker now heading the handicap on 12st.

The overnight defection of both Commanche Court and Ad Hoc has resulted in the weights rising a further 8lbs from the five-day stage.

Mason’s eight-year-old, the mount of Richard Guest, is a full-brother to the stable’s Martell Grand National hero Red Marauder and landed the Bet Direct Peter Marsh Chase on his last outing.

Red Ark, the yard’s other possible runner, has also been taken out.

Favourite with most firms for £90,000 contest is Nicky Richards’ Paperising (11-3), who was a good second to Grey Abbey on his last start and is set to be the Greystoke trainer’s first runner at the venue.

Occold, another to be well-supported earlier in the week, carries 10st 7lb with trainer Ferdy Murphy having booked conditional jockey Tom Doyle to take 3lb off that.

Murphy is double handed with Luzcadou also declared (10-9).

Nicky Henderson also has two strings to his bow as he sends out both Goguenard (11-1) and Lord Of The River (10-9), the choice of stable rider Mick Fitzgerald.

Lord Of The River will be having his first run since finishing second to subsequent Tote Gold Cup winner Looks Like Trouble in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at Cheltenham in 1999.