FINGERS are crossed that the Arctic weather will relent so that tomorrow's showpiece card at Kempton can take place.

It provides a golden opportunity for a horse who, in theory at least, has a big advantage over his rivals.

Farmer Jack, winner of the Aon Chase at Newbury a fortnight ago, bids to follow-up in the £100,000 Racing Post Chase.

Because this was an early-closing race, his hike in the weights for winning at Newbury does not apply. As he is already set to carry top-weight of 11st 12lb, neither does the 3lb penalty he would otherwise have been allotted.

The upshot is that Richard Johnson's mount is 11lb better tomorrow than in future handicaps, a fact which will not be lost on big-race punters.

Farmer Jack, who seemed to relish the step-up to the trip of three miles when beating Strong Flow and Celestial Gold last time, is particularly effective on a flat track such as Kempton's and he represents a stable with a wonderful record in this race.

His trainer Philip Hobbs has won the 'Racing Post' twice in the last six years.

As for having to concede weight to all of his rivals, Farmer Jack will be bidding to emulate Marlborough, who did exactly that in this contest 12 months ago.

Dangers include prolific winner Colonel Frank, the moody but talented Tikram (the mount of Tony McCoy), and North Yorkshire raider Tribal Venture, who represents Middleham trainer Ferdy Murphy and who is a course-and-distance winner.

However, they may all be playing for minor honours behind Farmer Jack.

The £28,000 Racing Post '100 Favourite Racehorses' Juvenile Novices' Hurdle looks a good opportunity for Penzance to boost his reputation.

Alan King's charge has won both his races to date, most recently at Huntingdon. King won this race last year with Trouble At Bay before sending that horse to Cheltenham for the Triumph Hurdle. A similar outcome looks on the cards for Penzance, my Nap selection.

Saturday's tips:

Kempton

(inspection 4pm today)

1.50 Forager, 2.25 Penzance (Nap), 3.00 Duncliffe, 3.35 Farmer Jack, 4.10 Famous Grouse, 4.40 Kickham, 5.15 Hobbs Hill.

Chepstow

1.45 Montifault, 2.20 Barton Beau, 2.50 Red Devil Robert, 3.25 Ross River, 4.00 Chef Tartare, 4.35 El Hombre Del Rio, 5.10 Sunset Light

Tomorrow's other meetings are at Lingfield and Southwell. Newcastle's meeting tomorrow has been called off.

Updated: 10:27 Friday, February 25, 2005