King George Preview
Equine stars will descend upon Kempton Park on Boxing Day for an eagerly awaited renewal of the King George VI chase. Long Run is back to attempt back to back victories in the Christmas National Hunt showpiece after a twelve length demolition of last year’s field. Sam Waley Cohen, his jockey and son of the owner, is a touch fortunate to be able to ride this immensely talented horse in this grade 1 race after taking the wrong course on Otage De Brion at Fakenham earlier this month. As he is an amateur jockey, his 12 day ban will not start until January 1st as his ban only applies to days when amateur racing is on. He must be hoping for no repeat of last year’s extreme weather which caused the race to be moved to early January- connections are yet to say if the horse would be allowed to run without his regular pilot.
King Kauto
It is hard to believe that a 6 year old defending champion who also is the reigning Gold Cup champion is being overshadowed in the lead up to the race, but his 8 length defeat at Haydock by a rejuvenated Kauto Star has meant most of the headlines and excitement are being reserved for Clive Smith’s legend. Accompanied by stablemate Master Minded (stepping up to three miles for the first time and is also owned by Clive Smith) Paul Nicholls’ duo provides a twin attack on Nicky Henderson’s stable star. Having three such proven champions makes this race a must see event for any racing fan.
Captain Chris
Last year’s Arkle winner Captain Chris also tries three miles for the first time and, whilst he is undoubtedly an exciting horse, he may find this a tough assignment against such seasoned campaigners.
Somersby
Henrietta Knight, trainer of previous winner Best Mate, saddles Somersby. Another stepping up to three miles, he has been beaten by Master Minded four times in previous meetings but could arguably be the most likely to appreciate the step up in trip. Often staying on at the end of races he allowed Gauvain too much rope in the Peterborough Chase but was staying on nicely up the straight. He has proven course form and is my idea of value in the race each way without Long Run at around 7-1.
Smudger’s Big Bets
As for the value in the outright market I would look no further than Long Run at 6-4. Kauto Star was almost certainly trained to the minute for the betfair chase at Haydock as there was the possibility of retirement for him if he disappointed. If you watch the replay of the race again Long Run seemed to blow up at the end of the back straight and ran a blinder to get within 8L of Kauto on tiring ground. He was beaten first time out last season in the Paddy Power Gold Cup off 158 so I think it is highly unlikely he was cherry ripe for Haydock.
Big Bet 1 – LONG RUN to win 6-4
Big Bet 2 – SOMERSBY without Long Run e/w @ 7-1
