Post Support For Son

Ladbrokes have reported good support for Celtic Son ahead of the Racing Post Chase at Kempton on Saturday, despite his stable companion Lucifer Bleu heading the market.

The David Pipe-trained pair have dominated the betting moves since the five-day stage and after a day of support for recent Wincanton winner Lucifer Bleu yesterday, punters were snapping up the fancy prices about Celtic Son 24 hours later.

Celtic Son is now a 10-1 chance from 16s, despite being off the track for nearly a year.

David Williams, spokesman for Ladbrokes: said: 'It's not the first time we've been surprised by the support for a David Pipe outsider. We expected to see all the support for Lucifer Bleu, but it's Celtic Son that the punters want to know.'

However, Pipe had a simple explanation for the gamble.

'Celtic Son has been well-backed because I said he was a definite runner,' the master of Pond House explained.

Lucifer Bleu was winning by a wide margin for the second time at the weekend since his return from a long absence and as he could not be re-assessed until after the weights were released, he is officially 21lb ?well-in'.

'Lucifer Bleu has been put up 24lb since Wincanton and I just hope the handicapper is right,' said Pipe on At The Races.

'You are not forced into running though, as it depends on the horse's well-being. We'll see how he is this week, speak to the owners and make a decision on Thursday or Friday.

'It was a very good performance again and he ran them into the ground, he likes soft ground which is what we have got at the moment and Andrew Glassonbury gets on very well with him.

'You have to run when you are as well in as he is but he will not run unless he is well.

'We will do the usual tests, speak to John White, his owner, and decide later on in the week, let's hope the handicapper is right.'

(C) PA Sport