Evergreen Forest looks well-weighted in the 7.00 at Kempton and makes plenty of appeal at 7/1 after signalling a return to form on his latest start.
Tom Keddy’s gelding was heavily backed into 2/1 favourite last time out over course and distance but having lead over a furlong from home had no answer to the finish kick of Asia Minor who beat him by 2 3/4 lengths.
However he now meets that rival on 3lb better terms, and that may be enough to turn the tables given that he was ridden quite aggressively by young Ryan Tate to chase the pace that day and may have done too much too soon.
He also now has the services of George Baker in the saddle, and there is little doubt in my mind that he is on a handy mark at present.
The five-year-old was officially rated 67 when winning his maiden over course and distance back in 2011 when trained by Alistair Lidderdale, and went on to finish a solid 5th of 13 to Green Wadi in a handicap here off a mark of 70 when not getting the best of runs.
Having been in the doldrums since then he looked a different horse last time out, and the fact that he was heavily punted suggests that connections feel they have got him back on song off a handicap mark he can exploit.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts each-way Evergreen Forest (7/1 bet365, Betfred – BOG)