A fanstatic renewal with a trio of past winners going head to head, but the ground has come right for our ante post selection Kempes and the youngster can serve it up to the big boys.
Willie Mullins' gelding impressed me with the manner of his clear cut victory in the Irish Hennessy and looks a chaser peaking at the right time.
His was surprised by the ease of his victory, but quickly nominated the Gold Cup as his intended target and that speaks volumes as to how highly he regards Kemps.
He said: "The surprises are always the best ones! I asked David to go out and get him to jump round and if he'd any chance to take it. I said to him if he got round he'd have more speed than the others and he probably even arrived too soon. I'm delighted for the horse, his owner and especially his jockey as he gave him a terrific ride.
"I'd imagine he'll go for the Cheltenham Gold Cup next and better ground should suit too - the ground might not be as bad as we thought today."
The form of the race may not be the strongest, but both the sceond Glencove Marina and the third Joncol are no mugs and it was hard to to be impressed by the way Kempes travelled and quickened,
The step up in trip seemed to suit him ideally, and the further they went the better he looked.
The gelding will certainly relish the ground at Prestbury Park, unlike Denman, Imperial Commander and Long Run who have all shown their best form with plenty of cut in the ground.
Add to that the fact that Kauto Star doesn't seem the horse he was now that time if catching up with him, and there is every reason to believe that it's time for a new kid on the block.
I advised backing him at 20s after the Irish Hennessy - see http://www.puntinplay.com/story/kempes-all-the-rage-for-cheltenham-gold-cup - and he is now half that price.
I wouldn't swap him for anything.
Recommended bet (Already advised 13/2/2011) 2pts each-way Kempes (20-1)
