3:22 Plumpton
This Class 3 Star Sports Handicap Steeple Chase at Plumpton over 2m3f166y on good ground brings together a small but competitive field of four where official ratings range from 109 to 129. The KTB Fit Scores identify Rip Wheeler as the clear top pick on 76 while Kdeux Saint Fray and Bel Ombre both sit on a useful 70, suggesting a race that will revolve around the principals. With no course form on record for any runner, the emphasis falls on how the respective trainers perform at Plumpton and how the steadily-run pace shape will suit the various run-styles.
How the race shapes up
The pace shape lacks a natural leader and points to a steadily-run, tactical affair in which being handy should pay dividends. With three of the four runners usually held up, the early fractions are likely to be modest and the race could easily turn into a sprint for home from the penultimate fence. The key question is whether the hold-up brigade can produce their efforts in time on a track where positioning is often decisive.
The KTB Fit ranking
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1Rip Wheeler KTB Selection76/100
Rip Wheeler is a smart performer who arrives in solid form having won two of his last four starts. The six-year-old carries an official rating of 109 and steps up in class here, yet his record of two wins from three attempts on good ground reads well for the prevailing conditions. He also has two wins from seven starts at today's trip, although he drops back in distance from his most recent run. The Moore yard boasts a 100% strike rate at Plumpton from a small sample, while Robert Dunne operates at a 15% strike rate here which is above his overall figure. Usually held up, Rip Wheeler produces his effort late and that style should be well suited to the anticipated tactical pace.
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2Kdeux Saint Fray70/100
Kdeux Saint Fray is a high-class performer rated 129 who brings a solid recent sequence that includes two placed efforts. Dropping in class from a higher level, the six-year-old returns to a trip over which he has won twice from five starts and he shows a clear preference for good ground with two wins and three places from five runs. Anthony Honeyball posts a 25% strike rate at Plumpton from 198 runs which sits above his 17% elsewhere, and Chad Bament's 20% strike rate from 15 rides at the track adds further encouragement. Like the selection he is usually held up, meaning the steadily-run nature of the race will ask a question of his ability to deliver his challenge at the right moment.
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3Bel Ombre70/100
Bel Ombre is another smart performer who arrives in solid form after two wins from his last three starts. Rated 118, he steps up in class but has already won at today's trip and holds a respectable record on good ground with one win and three places from three runs. Neil Mulholland strikes at 15% at Plumpton from 309 runs while Conor O'Farrell is operating above his usual rate with an 18% strike rate from 55 rides here. Typically settling in midfield, Bel Ombre's run-style looks adaptable in a race where the pace is unlikely to be strong, giving him every chance to be involved at the business end.
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4Jaipaletemps51/100
Jaipaletemps is a high-class performer on his figures who arrives in decent nick after a solid placed effort last time. Rated 121, the seven-year-old steps up in trip today having already won twice over this distance from six attempts, though he is only placed once from four runs on good ground. David Pipe holds a 19% strike rate at Plumpton from 232 runs in line with his record elsewhere, while the jockey is 0-6 at the track.
KTB verdict
Rip Wheeler stands out as the KTB Selection on a Fit Score of 76 and looks to have the ideal blend of current form, good-ground effectiveness and tactical suitability for a steadily-run race. His two wins from four most recent starts underline his progressive profile, and the Moore yard's perfect record at Plumpton is another plus. The main dangers are headed by Kdeux Saint Fray, who brings the highest rating and strong course trainer statistics, while Bel Ombre's recent winning form cannot be ignored in a race where the pace may not be demanding.
KTB Selection Rip Wheeler
Early prices
The best price per runner across the bookmakers we track, each as first seen (UK time). Every runner had a price by 12:13am, 5 Nov. Prices move — see the live racecard for current prices.
| Runner | Early price | Bookmaker, time |
|---|---|---|
| Rip Wheeler | 6/1 | Bet365, 12:01am |
| Kdeux Saint Fray | 15/8 | Virgin Bet, 12:01am |
| Bel Ombre | 6/5 | Bet365, 12:01am |
| Jaipaletemps | 15/2 | Midnite, 12:01am |
This is the narrative read of the 3:22 Plumpton. For the live card — runner-by-runner stats, the full Fit Score breakdown and current odds — see the Plumpton racecard. Every result we hold for the track is on the Plumpton results & records page. How favourites, trainers, jockeys and the draw have fared here over the last five years is on the Plumpton racecourse statistics page. New here? How KTB works explains the Fit Score and why we publish both.
Questions about this race
Which horse has the best recent winning record at the trip?
Rip Wheeler has two wins from seven starts at today's trip.
How does the trainer of the second-highest rated horse fare at Plumpton?
Anthony Honeyball posts a 25% strike rate at Plumpton from 198 runs which sits above his 17% elsewhere.
What is the expected pace scenario and its implication?
Lacks a leader so likely a steadily-run, tactical affair where being handy pays.
Which runner is stepping up in class from a recent win?
Both Rip Wheeler and Bel Ombre are stepping up in class having shown solid recent form.
What is the going preference shown by the top three in the KTB Fit rankings?
All three have produced wins or strong placed form on good ground.
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