RICHARD Johnson, among the winners at Wetherby's big day on Saturday, can continue his relentless quest to clinch his first jockeys' championship at Kempton this afternoon.

Johnson, for so long in the shadow of Tony McCoy, has grasped the opportunity of reigning supreme now that the legendary McCoy has retired. He has scarcely missed a day's racing this season and has established a 30-plus winner lead in the title race. On Saturday, Wetherby racegoers saw this top-class rider at his very best when gaining an emphatic success on Kilcooley in the prestigious Grade 2 bet365 West Yorkshire Hurdle.

Johnson can carry on the good work this afternoon on several of his mounts, not least FINGAL BAY in the Weatherbys VAT Services Graduation Chase.

Winner of the Pertemps Hurdle Final at Cheltenham two seasons ago, little went right for Fingal Bay last season over fences. He remains, however, a talented horse and one who should not be underestimated in this £20,000 event.

Johnson may also land the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Series Qualifier) on BROTHER TEDD, likewise trained by Philip Hobbs.

The gelding won on this course last season and ended up winning a competitive race at Sandown. He needs to raise his game again to cope with an inflated mark this term, but there is no reason why he cannot continue to progress.

Brother Tedd is opposed by among others, Silvianiaco Conti, a top-class chaser, who is being sent out by Paul Nicholls over hurdles for his first outing of the campaign. His future targets are likely to include the Betfair Chase at Haydock and the King George V1 Chase at Kempton's Christmas meeting. His performance today should be monitored closely.

Johnson teams up with a Hobbs-trained newcomer in the opening Racing UK Anywhere Novices' Hurdle in the shape of IMPERIAL PRESENCE. It is anyone's guess what level of ability this four-year-old possesses but he is a nicely-bred son of Presenting and it would come as no surprise if he played a leading role. The betting market may provide a clue to his ability.

FRAMPTON could be yet another winner for Johnson in the Weatherbys VAT Services Novices' Limited Handicap Chase.

Trained by Charlie Longsdon, the gelding showed improved form to finish second when upped to three miles at Uttoxeter last time out. There may be more to come from him in handicap company.

Also worth looking for at Kempton are the promising ROCK ON OSCAR (1.30) and OLD PRIDE (4.10), who proved last time that he goes well fresh and so may be inconvenienced by not having raced for nearly seven months.

On a day when there is no Flat racing - a sure sign that the seasons are changing - Ludlow also stages a jumps card and LEADEROFTHEDANCE commands respect in the Breedon Aggregates Handicap Hurdle.

Trained by Nicky Henderson, the six-year-old scored over this course and distance 11 days ago. A rise of 5lb for that win looks more than fair and allows Leaderofthedance a chance now to make her mark in handicap company.

YABADABADOO deserves attention in the Aiua/Bluefin Agricultural Specialists Handicap Chase.

The seven-year-old, trained by Emma Lavelle, won at Kempton last time out and is fancied to follow up.

MR MAFIA, who lines up in the Racing UK Novices' Handicap Chase, is overdue a winning turn. He has finished second at Towcester and Worcester on his last two starts. Opportunity may come knocking for Lee Edwards' mount today.

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Today's tips

Kempton

1.00 Imperial Presence

1.30 Rock On Oscar

2.00 Frampton

2.30 Brother Tedd

3.05 Fingal Bay

3.40 Somchine

4.10 Old Pride

Ludlow

1.40 King's Song

2.10 Yabadababoo

2.40 Leaderofthedance

3.15 Battlecat

3.50 Mr Mafia

4.20 Pickamix