The countdown is now in full swing to
the festive season, and once the Christmas Day meal has been polished
off, there will be many punters looking at their race-reading
material to pick out the winner of the big event at Kempton on Boxing
Day. Here we’ll consider several of the main protagonists for this
high-profile race to try and point readers in the correct direction
for their wager.
Favourite’s chance
Leading the current ante-post
market for the three-mile contest is the Paul Nicholls trained
Silviniaco Conti [pictured]. The eight-year old is looking to emulate former
stable mate – and five time winner Kauto Star - by being the first
horse since to win back-to-back King George’s.
Silviniaco Conti began the season with
a pipe-opener in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby. After leading
for the majority of the race, the gelding faded to finish fifth
behind the eventual winner Menorah. Conti gained his revenge over the
Phillip Hobbs’ trained horse at Haydock in the Betfair Chase with a
two-length win over Menorah in a commanding performance. Silviniaco
Conti has no real ground issues for the Boxing Day clash as the horse
has winning form on all conditions from good to soft, and looks
certain to play a leading role in this years’ renewal.
Potentially anything
The real unknown of the race is the
rapidly improving second-season chaser, Champagne Fever, trained by
Willie
Mullins. Champagne Fever shot to fame with a win in the Supreme
Novices Hurdle at the 2013 Cheltenham Festival, and his since
embarked on a chasing career. Campaigned in the main over the minimum
trip last season, the eight-year old gelding was not seen to greatest
effect despite a narrow defeat to Western Warhorse in the 2014 Arkle
Chase at the festival.
It was obvious that the Mullins horse
needed more of a stamina test, and with an easy win in the Grade 2
Clonmel Oil Chase back in November over 2m4f, it proved beyond doubt
that longer trips will be his forte. Champagne Fever still has over a
stone to find in the official ratings however, and this will be his
first race with the big boys; however you write off any Willie
Mullins horse off at your peril.
Doubtful stayer
Paul Nicholls is likely to be
double-handed in the King
George as Al Ferof could take his chance once again. The
nine-year old, owned by John Hales finished 14 ½ lengths behind
Silviniaco Conti in last years’ event, but will be hoping for an
improved effort this time around. Ruby Walsh was on-board the
likeable grey when claiming the Grade 2 Amlin Chase back in November
at Ascot. That was over 2m3f though, and it is still doubtful if Al
Ferof can stay the strong paced three miles around Kempton.
Each-way contender
As already stated, Menorah
has performed with great credit this season by winning the Charlie
Hall Chase and runner-up in the Betfair Chase. Provided those two
races haven’t taken too much out of the nine-year old, another bold
bid can be expected on Boxing Day. Menorah was pulled-up in this race
back in 2013, but had previously been unbeaten in his three other
starts at Kempton during his career. The Hobbs gelding is a lively
each-way contender, who has the ability to rustle up the big boys.
Best of the rest
Looking at the other potential runners,
the likes of Cue Card and Dynaste are on recovery missions if lining
up at Kempton. Cue Card was eyeballed by Silviniaco
Conti in the Betfair Chase and his jumping capitulated, while
Dynaste ran with some credit at Haydock, but faded as the race got
serious. Both are capable of turning the formbook upside down though,
so market confidence should be a guide to their chances.
Conclusion
You have to go to
Edredon Bleu’s King George win back in 2003 for a 25/1 surprise, so
it is highly likely that the winner will come from the six mentioned
above. Of those, Silviniaco Conti holds the key to the race. He has
the form in the book by being a previous winner and has proven his
recent health with his win at Haydock, so he deserves to have a
favourite’s chance. Champagne Fever is the unknown, but he cannot
be backed with huge confidence because of his lack of experience at
the highest level. Menorah has cast-iron place claims, while Dynaste
cannot be ruled out.
