15:00 Kempton

Saturday 26 December 2020

All12:4013:1513:5014:2515:0015:35

Ladbrokes King George VI Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 6m 1.30s

Black Op^t²⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: T Scudamore| T: T R George| OR: 147| D

66/1

Smart novice last term and reappeared with fine fourth to Imperial Aura in 2½m Carlisle listed. Only midfield in Ladbrokes Trophy since, though, and surely biting off more than he chew here.

Form: 4/122-49

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Clan Des Obeaux³⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 171| CD

85/40

Has won this for the last 2 years, easily seeing off stablemate Cyrname 12 months ago. Disappointed in Gold Cup final start but set himself up very nicely for this when second in Betfair last month.

Form: 52/218-2

Cyrname^t⁵⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 176| C| D

5/2

Not at best when remote second in this last year but that came on back of a gruelling race at Ascot and he proved his stamina for 3m when winning Charlie Hall at Wetherby on return. Leading claims.

Form: 11/12F-1

Frodon^t²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Bryony Le Clerc| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 168| C

20/1

Admirable sort who is arguably still getting better based on his wire-to-wire reappearance win in a handicap at Cheltenham. Has run poorly at Aintree since, though. Yard has stronger claims elsewhere.

Form: 3314-14

Lostintranslation^t³⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: R M Power| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 171| BF

17/2

Betfair Chase winner last term and also third (Santini second) in Cheltenham Gold Cup. However, he flopped in this 12 months ago and was also well below par when distant third in this year's Betfair.

Form: 1/11P3-3

Real Steel^t1³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: D A Jacob| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 163

22/1

Dual 2½m Grade 2 winner in Ireland last term and travelled well until stamina ran out in Cheltenham Gold Cup. Needed run when third on return for new yard. Should be spot on now. Tongue tie added.

Form: 141P6-3

Saint Calvados²⁸⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: G Sheehan| T: H Whittington| OR: 167

14/1

Developed into top-class chaser last term, pushing Min all the way in Ryanair at Cheltenham (20.5f) when last seen in March. Stamina has to be taken on trust but has a very good record fresh.

Form: 37/1422-

Santini^p²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 172| BF| D

9/2

Top-class chaser who signed off last season with second in Gold Cup at Cheltenham. Made satisfactory return at Aintree 3 weeks ago but this test probably sharp enough for him. Supplemented on Monday.

Form: 32/112-2

Waiting Patiently^p³⁸⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: B S Hughes| T: Ruth Jefferson| OR: 163| C

12/1

Impressive in Ascot Chase in 2018. Lightly raced since but as good as ever when third in Tingle Creek a year ago (off since but goes well fresh). Unseated in this in 2018 on sole previous run at 3m.

Form: 11U23/3-

Forecasts

Clan Des Obeaux (85/40), Cyrname (5/2), Santini (9/2), Lostintranslation (17/2), Waiting Patiently (12/1), Saint Calvados (14/1), Frodon (20/1), Real Steel (22/1), Black Op (66/1)

CYRNAME proved himself over 3m when strolling home in the Charlie Hall and is taken to the turn the tables on last year's winner Clan Des Obeaux in what could be yet another Paul Nicholls domination of this contest. There are doubts surrounding quite a few so there's possibly some each-way value in Waiting Patiently, who is top class on his day and has a good record when fresh.