Simon disappoints at Kempton Park

Saturday saw the running of one of the year’s national hunt racing highlights, the 2008 Racing Post Chase. The Kempton Park spectacle is an important testing ground for quality steeplechase runners in the build-up to both the Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup.

On Saturday all eyes were on 2008 Grand National runner and Racing Post Chase defending champion Simon. Simon, who will be carrying 11st 4 lb at the 2008 Grand National, has lurked near the top of the Grand National odds tables for several months.

Despite being destined to carry a Grand National weight the likes of which was last borne to victory by Corbiere in 1983, trainer Mercy Rimmell has consistently claimed that Simon has the firepower to take on race favourites Cloudy Lane and Mr. Pointment.

Unfortunately Rimmell’s faith in Simon was not backed up by events at Kempton Park on Saturday. While Simon did not disgrace himself with a 4th placed finish, he was defeated by a Kelami, a Grand National runner sharing his 33/1 price.

Simon did succeed in besting Ungaro, a pre-race favourite who pulled up during the race. However, taking into account the weight he’ll be carrying into the 2008 Grand National, it seems increasingly unlikely that Simon will mount a genuine challenge for the 2008 Grand National winner’s title.

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