Sly worried by Samarinda burden

Samarinda, the 6-1 joint second-favourite with the sponsors for Saturday’s totesport.com London Mile at Kempton, is to take his chance despite some serious punishment by the handicapper.

Pam Sly has rested her four-year-old for several months after seeing him land five of his last eight starts and rise nearly 30lb in the ratings.

Like the current favourite Atlantic Story, Samarinda has an enviable record on the all-weather and will be looking for a four-timer in the valuable event.

Sly reported: “I would have thought he would run – he’ll have to carry joint top-weight, but what can I do.

“He’s had a meteoric rise in the handicap from the 60s up to 91 but he seems to like the all-weather and I’d still be hopeful.

“However, it’s worth about £75,000 (€111,000) and will be very competitive. I’ve seen Mark Johnston has a couple in there, and there are several others that look quite good.”