Kempton delivers for all-weather fans

With the Flat turf season having kicked off and Aintree’s festival lurking just around the corner, racing this week is conducted at a relatively sedate pace.

The upcoming three-day Grand National meeting promises much as always, but Flat enthusiasts will be licking their lips with so much top-class action so close to the horizon.

And while Kempton’s all-weather circuit may not epitomise summer Flat racing for the purist, that will be the stage upon which this week’s major battles will be fought.

Saturday’s card features the ever-competitive £40,000 (€59,000) intercasino.co.uk Rosebery Stakes, which has lost none of its appeal for the switch to sand if the 2006 renewal proves a sound guide.

Globetrotting Group-winner Kandidate obliged last year, with the useful Rohaani and subsequently-prolific Young Mick filling the minor places.

Other contests of note include the Listed intercasino.co.uk-sponsored Snowdrop Fillies’ and Magnolia Stakes, which are sure to tempt some classy animals out of their stables.