15:15 Kempton
Monday 26 December 2016
All12:5513:3014:0514:4015:1515:45
32Red King George VI Chase (Grade 1)
- 4YO plus  |  Class 1  |  3m  |  Good (Good to Soft in places)  |  5 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 15:15Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 3m 44.9s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Bidding to become the first ten-year-old to win this since Desert Orchid in 1989. Has developed into a top class chaser who has secured seven Grade 1 victories including a hard fought success in this race last year. With a strong pace likely the race could be set up nicely for him again.
Earned the right to face this calibre of opposition with an impressive front running display in the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon last time. He tries this trip for the first time but his pedigree suggests it should not pose a problem. He looks a few pounds short of the level required to land this but this track brings out the best in him.
Won this race in 2013 and 2014 but has looked a shadow of his former self recently. His current form suggests he is no longer up to this level of competition and he was pulled up in last year's renewal. His presence should ensure a good pace which will play to the strengths of the leading protagonists.
Unbeaten in all three starts at the track including victory in last year's Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase on this card. He should win a good race this season but it will be a shock if he makes it two Boxing Day victories in succession.
The outstanding staying hurdler of last season has taken well to fences, winning all three contests in fine style. Great things are predicted for him in the chasing sphere but this is a major test for a novice and the expected strong pace will test his jumping credentials.
Forecasts
Thistlecrack (11/10), Cue Card (5/4), Josses Hill (8/1), Silviniaco Conti (20/1), Tea For Two (25/1)
CUE CARD took this at the fourth time of asking 12 months ago after thwarting the valiant efforts of a highly rated younger rival, who had been a top class hurdler but was a less experienced chaser. Thistlecrack as a more assured stayer than the ill-fated Vautour may be a different proposition, but it is difficult to overlook that the selection is proven and has achieved things over fences that his junior stablemate aspires to. With two front runners in the race a strong pace looks likely and Thistlecrack faces a stern test of his jumping prowess and this is a big ask for any novice. Josses Hill looks best of the rest after making all to win the Peterborough Chase last time out.
1. Cue Card
2. Thistlecrack
3. Josses Hill
Prize Money
1st: £119,026.002nd: £44,663.003rd: £22,363.004th: £11,140.005th: £5,601.006th: £2,801.00
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