Racing Post Chase: Windross an early pointer for Johnson.

RICHARD JOHNSON is hopeful of kicking off a strong book of rides at Kempton today by providing a timely boost to the chance of his Racing Post Chase mount Gloria Victis.

The jockey is on the Alan King-trained Windross - who was beaten 14 lengths by Gloria Victis at Newbury in November - in the Manor Novices' Chase over three miles. His four rivals are Norski Lad, Soloman, Gran Turismo and High Game.

Windross fell two out when apparently held in second by Native King at Warwick last time. Johnson said yesterday: "Windross fell because he was just trying to go faster than his legs could manage.

"He's a lovely horse who likes to get his toe in. He doesn't have many miles on the clock, and I think he'll be suited by the step up to three miles.

"Obviously, Norski Lad would have a great chance if repeating his form when he beat Lord Noelie at Kempton on his penultimate start, but he ran badly at Sandown last time."

Norski Lad is trained by Paul Nicholls, and his performance at Sandown resulted in owner Derek Millard questioning Channel 4 Racing's use of Barry Dennis's 'Bismarcks' - fancied horses identified by the bookmaker as bad value.

The five-year-old - Dennis's Bismarck that afternoon - was favourite for the Weatherbys Scilly Isles Novices' Chase, having drifted from 13-8 to 9-4 before starting at 2-1. He never appeared to be travelling and was out of touch when pulled up by Timmy Murphy in the back straight.

Johnson also partners the Henry Daly-trained Young Spartacus in the Grade 2 luvbet.com Pendil Novices' Chase. His rivals comprise the progressive Bloomfield Storm, Jungli and course specialist Serenus.

Johnson said: "The trip [21/2 miles] is perfect, and he'll like the soft ground. He must go close, although Bloomfield Storm won well at Leicester last time and is improving."