Big clash at Kempton on Friday Owner Henry Ponsonby is confident The Betchworth Kid can regain the winning thread in an intriguing Betdaq Poker Novices' Hurdle at Kempton on Friday. Alan King's five-year-old was rated in excess of 100 on the Flat and made a winning start to his career over obstacles at Plumpton in November, after which he finished second at Taunton. Although he tackles the unbeaten Quantitativeeasing on Friday, Ponsonby is unfazed by the challenge. "The horse has been ready to go for three weeks and hopefully the meeting will go ahead this time," said Ponsonby. "It's an interesting race with Quantitativeeasing in there and it will sort the men from the boys, but I'm very happy with my horse. "I think Quantitativeeasing is nearly favourite for the two-and-a-half miler at Cheltenham (Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle), but I'm looking forward to taking him on. "The track and the ground will suit my horse and Alan has been having a few winners lately." The JP McManus-owned Quantitativeeasing steps up in trip following comfortable successes at Newcastle and Newbury earlier this season. McManus' racing manager Frank Berry said: "Nicky (Henderson) is happy with him and the horse is in good form. "It's a competitive little race, but everyone wants to get a run before Cheltenham. "He's done everything right so far so let's hope he runs another big race tomorrow." A total of seven runners go to post, with Evan Williams' impressive Ludlow winner Phidippides and Emma Lavelle's Southwell scorer Tocca Ferro adding further strength in depth.
