Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012

[Jimmy2shoes]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012

I personally wouldnt use that as a form line to evaluate this race. Bobs Worth never really impressed with his jumping, its doubful he was fully prepped for it and he is better over much further. Despite the 7lb BW was getting, its a little surprising Cue Card didnt win this, especially since he had the run of the race. I may turn out to be very wrong though! :)

Its a race that haunts me fella, i was Large that day on CC, its one of them races CC really should have won, JT took some stick after that race, he kept looking round for BW instead of just getting on with it, and maybe the result would have ben different had CC not made a few daft jumping mistakes. Maybe am just talking through my heart being a massive CC fan, but IMO he's the most likely of the bunch in the KG for improvement, and Mr CT has a very different approach this season, he has openly said on a few occasions that CC has really grew up, tough race yipp, he must have real chance, but whatever happens he'l always be a special horse to me.

[Jimmy2shoes]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012 [TABLE=class: eventTable] [TR=class: allOddsBestOffers] [TD=class: allOddsBestOffersInfo, colspan: 1][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: allOddsBestOffers] [TD=class: allOddsBestOffersInfo, colspan: 1][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: eventTableHeader] [TD=class: allOddsSortHeader] Betting Via Odds Checker. [/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: eTblLineAo, colspan: 1][/TD] [TD=class: eTblLineAo][/TD] [TD=class: eTblLineAo, colspan: 20][/TD] [/TR]

[TR=class: eventTableRow bgc] [TD=class: sel nm]Long Run[/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD=class: o co]7/4[/TD] [TD=class: o co]7/4[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]2[/TD] [TD=class: o co]7/4[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]2[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]2[/TD] [TD=class: o co]15/8[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]2[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]2[/TD] [TD=class: o co]7/4[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]2[/TD] [TD=class: o co]7/4[/TD] [TD=class: oo co b]2[/TD] [TD=class: o co]7/4[/TD] [TD=class: o co]7/4[/TD] [TD=class: o co]29/18[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]47/23[/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: eventTableRow bgc] [TD=class: sel nm]Cue Card[/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]11/2[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]11/2[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: o co]9/2[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: oi co]101/19[/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: eventTableRow bgc] [TD=class: sel nm]Riverside Theatre[/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]11/2[/TD] [TD=class: o co]9/2[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]11/2[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: oo co b]11/2[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: oo co b]11/2[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: oo co b]11/2[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: o co]5[/TD] [TD=class: o co]24/5[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]53/9[/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: eventTableRow bgc] [TD=class: sel nm]Kauto Stone[/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD=class: o co]7[/TD] [TD=class: o co]15/2[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]8[/TD] [TD=class: o co]15/2[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]8[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]8[/TD] [TD=class: o co]7[/TD] [TD=class: oo co]15/2[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]8[/TD] [TD=class: o co]15/2[/TD] [TD=class: oo co]15/2[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]8[/TD] [TD=class: oo co b]8[/TD] [TD=class: o co]7[/TD] [TD=class: o co]7[/TD] [TD=class: o co]8[/TD] [TD=class: oi co b]94/11[/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: eventTableRow bgc] [TD=class: sel nm]Grands Crus[/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD=class: o co]8[/TD] [TD=class: o co]8[/TD] [TD=class: o co]8[/TD] [TD=class: o co]8[/TD] [TD=class: o co]8[/TD] [TD=class: o co]8[/TD] [TD=class: oi co]7[/TD] [TD=class: o co]8[/TD] [TD=class: o co]8[/TD] [TD=class: o co]8[/TD] [TD=class: o co]8[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]9[/TD] [TD=class: oi co]8[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]9[/TD] [TD=class: o co]8[/TD] [TD=class: o co]8[/TD] [TD=class: oo co]92/11[/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: eventTableRow bgc] [TD=class: sel nm]The Giant Bolster[/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD=class: oi co]9[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]10[/TD] [TD=class: o co]9[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]10[/TD] [TD=class: o co]9[/TD] [TD=class: o co]9[/TD] [TD=class: oo co]9[/TD] [TD=class: oi co]8[/TD] [TD=class: o co]9[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]10[/TD] [TD=class: oi co]8[/TD] [TD=class: o co]9[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]10[/TD] [TD=class: o co]9[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]10[/TD] [TD=class: o co]23/2[/TD] [TD=class: o co]19/2[/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: eventTableRow bgc] [TD=class: sel nm]Captain Chris[/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD=class: oo co b]16[/TD] [TD=class: o co]12[/TD] [TD=class: o co]14[/TD] [TD=class: o co]14[/TD] [TD=class: o co]14[/TD] [TD=class: o co]14[/TD] [TD=class: oo co b]16[/TD] [TD=class: o co]12[/TD] [TD=class: o co]14[/TD] [TD=class: o co]10[/TD] [TD=class: o co]12[/TD] [TD=class: o co]14[/TD] [TD=class: oo co b]16[/TD] [TD=class: o co]14[/TD] [TD=class: o co]10[/TD] [TD=class: o co]16[/TD] [TD=class: oo co b]20[/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: eventTableRow bgc] [TD=class: sel nm]Junior[/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD=class: o co b]25[/TD] [TD=class: o co]20[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]25[/TD] [TD=class: o co]20[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]25[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]25[/TD] [TD=class: o co]20[/TD] [TD=class: oo co]22[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]25[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]25[/TD] [TD=class: oo co]22[/TD] [TD=class: o co]20[/TD] [TD=class: oo co b]25[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]25[/TD] [TD=class: o co]20[/TD] [TD=class: o co]28[/TD] [TD=class: oo co b]37[/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: eventTableRow bgc] [TD=class: sel nm]Champion Court[/TD] [TD][/TD] [TD=class: o co]25[/TD] [TD=class: o co]25[/TD] [TD=class: o co]25[/TD] [TD=class: o co]25[/TD] [TD=class: o co]25[/TD] [TD=class: o co]25[/TD] [TD=class: oo co b]33[/TD] [TD=class: o co]25[/TD] [TD=class: o co]28[/TD] [TD=class: o co]25[/TD] [TD=class: o co]25[/TD] [TD=class: o co b]33[/TD] [TD=class: oi co]20[/TD] [TD=class: o co]25[/TD] [TD=class: o co]20[/TD] [TD=class: o co]27[/TD] [TD=class: oi co b]33[/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [TD=class: o np][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: eventTableRow bgc] [/TR] [/TABLE]

[Gavlar17]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012

Shop around, Ladbrokes can at times give you a bet Via the shop but they do it online, well they do in my local. Corals are shocking for prices Gavlar, SHOCKING !

Dont panic yourself Jimmy, I was merely waiting on my breakfast rolls from the wee cafe next door when I thought I'd see what prices they were offering :lol Initially I fancied Long Run for the obvious reasons already stated in here, but I delayed and delayed and he's untouchable at that price now in my opinion so I've no bet as of yet. Going to have a sit down and look through it properly and hopefully get a small write up in here tomorrow. Plenty useful information in this thread already though. Great stuff.

[beaker1]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012 Since Edredon Bleu caused an upset in 2003 only three horses, Kicking King, Kauto Star and Long Run have won the King George so it is probably fair to say that the trends surrounding this race may just be a little skewed. Still let’s give it a go and see where it leads. In recent seasons, Kicking King and Kauto Star both won this race as six-year-olds before going onto land the Gold Cup atCheltenhamthree months later – a festival clue in its own right. Technically, Long Run also achieved that feat in the 2010 renewal although had the race been run on its usual Boxing Day, rather than a rearranged date in January, he would have only been a five-year-old. Seven-year-olds have a pretty similar record thanks to recent victories for First Gold, Best Mate, Kicking King and Kauto Star but that still leaves us with half the field this year including favourite Long Run. Given that the King George is one of the highlights of the National Hunt season it isn’t that surprising that those coming into the race in top form usually lands the spoils. Nine of the last twelve winners of this race had been successful on their most recent start which is a pretty strong return in anyone’s book – an added bonus for Cue Card, Junior and Kauto Stone. An official rating of at least 160 is a must when looking for the winner of the King George – this may make you reconsider Grands Crus of the fancied runners who currently sits on 157. Junior and Champion Court also both fall below the expected standard of a King George winner. It is vital that any selection is a proven Grade 1 performer. The 1998 winner, Teeton Mill was the last King George winner that hadn’t previously won a Grade 1. With that in mind, Captain Chris, Long Run, Grands Crus, Riverside Theatre, Kauto Stone and Cue Card. The Giant Bolster is yet to win above Grade 3 level over fences but he did find only Synchronisd too good in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. It would unwise to back a horse solely on the trainers record in this race as six of the last ten renewals have been won by the same two horses. Obviously, Paul Nicholls currently leads the field partly thanks to the five victories of Kauto Star, but he also won this race in 1999 with See More Business. Nicky Henderson’s runners had always tended to be the bridesmaid rather than the bride as he had four runners fill the minor placings since 2001, but the 2010 renewal saw him get his rewards when Long Run not only broke his duck in the race but Riverside Theatre gave him a prestigious 1-2. At the start of the century, the King George winners had been taking part in a variety of prep races but in recent seasons the Betfair Chase has really come to the fore. Haydock’s Grade 1 has now featured on the roll call in five of the last seven years. Despite the fact there’s been a couple of potentially doubtful stayers land the King George in recent seasons, a large percentage of winners had proven stamina on their side. Plenty of classy but sub three miles chasers have taken their chance in the King George, including the likes of Remittance Man, Deep Sensation, Travado, Flagship Uberalles and Azertyuiop but all came up short when it mattered. This trend puts a question mark over Captain Chris, For Non Stop, Cue Card,Champion Courtand Riverside Theatre and who have never won beyond two and a half miles. It is probably a question that will be raised in many racing households but on the evidence so seen so far, there has to be an element of doubt about their ability to get the trip. As with any race, there is always the occasional shock in the King George but favourite backers would have made a pretty penny overall as seven of the last ten winners had been at the head of affairs. Even accounting for Edredon Bleu’s shock 25/1 victory in 2003, the average starting price is still pretty low – a shade over 9/2. That firmly points the finger at Long Run Shortlist Long Run (Captain Chris) Conclusion LONG RUN appears to be the stand out in this year’s renewal – his old foe Kauto Star has retired so it would be a surprise if he didn’t make the most of his absence to lift the prize for a second time. He does appear to have the ideal profile, save for the fact that he was beaten at Haydock. There is a question mark about his defeat at Haydock last time out but I think Henderson would have been more concerned about today so he should have him fully wound up and I expect to see a different horse for this one. That’s not saying Long Run wasn’t fit for the race but you don’t win the Gold Cup in November. But there are other horses in the line-up and it wouldn’t be beyond the realms of possibility that one of the ‘outsiders’ comes and spoils the party. So the second spot on the shortlist goes to Captain Chris. Philip Hobbs’ runner could turn out to be the forgotten horse of the race as he put a sluggish 2011-12 season behind him with an impressive victory over Finian’s Rainbow atAscot. He is a three time winner at Kempton – twice over hurdles and once over fences. He had the speed to win an Arkle in 2011 before following up at Punchestown so his ability s clear to see. He is yet to win beyond an extended two and a half miles, however, whilst we cannot know for sure, his performances have suggested that it isn’t beyond him. Despite not living up to his potential yet I’m willing him to give him another chance based on the way he dismantled the opposition atAscot – he could be a different proposition this season and looks the best alternative to Long Run. Grands Crus and Riverside Theatre will attract plenty of support but the former will need to bounce back from a couple of below par efforts whilst Riverside Theatre found Long Run too good in the 2010 renewal and with his injury record it is a big ask for him to get his head in front of his stalemate here. Of the remainder The Giant Bolster doesn’t look the type of horse to enjoy Kempton whilst Cue Card has bundles of ability but at six it would take a special talent to take this prize. Kauto Stone has generally made his seasonal reappearance his season peak and I expect that to be the case again here.

[Blazing Bailey]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012

Its a race that haunts me fella, i was Large that day on CC, its one of them races CC really should have won, JT took some stick after that race, he kept looking round for BW instead of just getting on with it, and maybe the result would have ben different had CC not made a few daft jumping mistakes. Maybe am just talking through my heart being a massive CC fan, but IMO he's the most likely of the bunch in the KG for improvement, and Mr CT has a very different approach this season, he has openly said on a few occasions that CC has really grew up, tough race yipp, he must have real chance, but whatever happens he'l always be a special horse to me.

I do think that he has a chance, but maybe one too many questions to answer at this stage for my liking. He won really nicely at Exeter and whilst the form doesnt have much substance yet, he couldnt have done it any better. He is probably the one I would look at if he were truly an outsider but the odds of 11/2 are too slim for me.

[PISSAH]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012 Hi ALL Happy Xmas & New Year. I will be Lumping on Long-Run for the big one on St. Stephen's Day, just cant see pass him and 2/1 might look like a massive price come half 3 on Wednesday. Best of luck to all, its great to be back with the best

[The Saint]

Maybe if you've got to have a lay Don't think I can take the strain I won't stay on Boxing Day. Oh don't run me on ground like this Three miles really takes the piss I'll have to stay another day...(when conditions are less testing). Cue Card.... Stolen from Jamie Lynch of Timeform and to the tune of East 17s 'Stay'!!!! Shame because at the prices available on the exchanges I'd half fancy Cue Card and The Giant Bolster (10/1 - Coral in the morning).... Best of Luck to you jumps experts.... I'm pretty much guessing.... :( Hope u all had a cracking day :)

[mowgli77]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012 Riverside Theatre for me: http://www.punterslounge.com/kempton-betting-riverside-theatre-can-return-with-a-famous-victory-in-king-george-chase Really interesting race and I honestly think every runner has question marks, even Long Run. It looked flat footed at Haydock and in the Gold Cup, might have already peaked. I actually wonder how many will finish if this is a real slog on heavy ground, just hope nothing gets injured.

[jayalexander]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012 Will Hill are offering up to a £10 free bet (refunded as a free bet) if you place it through their mobile site :ok Riverside Theatre for me, also!

[Bathtime For Rupert]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012 3.10 Kempton - 1.5pts e/w Riverside Theatre @ 11/2 (Ladbrokes) Nicky Henderson has a strong hand here but this horse has been laid out for this race and given his record both fresh and at this track, he has to merit serious respect for all he was put in his place by Long Run in the delayed 2010 race. That came without a nice lay-off which seems to suit (won his reappearance that season impressively) and subsequently won his three next races. Never went at Aintree in April but has subsequently been given time off and there's no doubt he'll be primed for this. A real test would suit Long Run but there are questions as to whether he's as good as it looked he'd prove to be and although he has form here, you'd have to fancy a more testing track would be ideal. Riverside Theatre has Barry Geraghty on board and the horse's form here reads 11112. He seems to handle both cut and this trip (albeit not conclusively) and has a fine record in general at right-handed tracks (11131F1211) with the third coming at Punchestown to Hurricane Fly in a two mile hurdle. You have to query whether Cue Card will stay and how Grands Crus is going to see out his race so to me Riverside Theatre looks a damn good each-way bet and I will be disappointed if I don't get a return. He's never been beaten in four starts after a 100 day absence and generally looks a rock solid option to put it to his stablemate.

[Jimmy2shoes]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012

Maybe if you've got to have a lay Don't think I can take the strain I won't stay on Boxing Day. Oh don't run me on ground like this Three miles really takes the piss I'll have to stay another day...(when conditions are less testing). Cue Card.... Stolen from Jamie Lynch of Timeform and to the tune of East 17s 'Stay'!!!! Shame because at the prices available on the exchanges I'd half fancy Cue Card and The Giant Bolster (10/1 - Coral in the morning).... Best of Luck to you jumps experts.... I'm pretty much guessing.... :( Hope u all had a cracking day :)

LMAO. Well i hope Cos he gave it a pass, it comes back round and bites him on the @ass. Go Go Joe !

[whoneedsrio]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012 Having run the VDW method over this I have a shortlist of.... Long Run 5 stars Cue Card Kauto Stone Riverside Theatre all 3 stars. This is rare, not only does Long Run have 5 stars he' also top or joint top in each category. The missing stars for Cue Card are in the earnings & Racing Post ratings, although in the latter he is not far behind & is improving still but will he get 3m on this ground? Kauto Stone is missing the wins to runs & the RPR's, he however looks to have a good bit to find on form & I'm not sure 3m is his trip even if he did win over that LTO. Riverside Theatre is missing the recent form & the fancied class from his last run. Does go fresh & on soft but why would he turn round 12l's with Long Run from two years ago. I suppose the answer to that last question is because Long Run is not as good, however his two best runs have been in this race & if he were to run to the form of the second twelve months ago, never mind that win in 2010 then he'd still win this. Various schools of thought on the Betfair chase run, mine is that it wasn't that bad, there was no pace on & Ruby got a soft lead on Silviniaco Conti & kept enough back to hold off Long Run. There will be more pace on today which will suit Long Run, he does stay & importantly he does go on heavy ground. Of the rest... Captain Chris was beaten a long way in this last year. Champion Court goes on the ground but might be better at shorter & is held by Long Run on a line with Silviniaco Conti from Aintree. Grands Crus has flopped the last twice, can he really be ready for this having reportedly had a breathing op since his last run just 39 days ago? Junior goes on the ground but is not good enough. The Giant Bolster should come on for the run at Haydock but the so should Long Run & he has 4.5l's to find. Long Run for me. Bet. Long Run 60pts @ 5/2 Betfred BOG. Rio.

[RIO2014]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012 Given all the above information, and thanks to everyone who put their views up.. Boxing up 6 bets for each exactas/trifectas on the Tote(pool will be huge) rather than sf..or tc LONG RUN, CUE CARD, CAPTAIN CHRIS is the way to go. I have a small a/p on Grand Crus, but aint hopeful of that, but its cover for the above. Thanks again to everyone. 38/1 exacta, and ap ew in, happy with that:D

[bowles10]

Great news long run won Silences the doubters also, if it hadn't won today I don't think I would ever have backed it again as it had everything over the others IMO Aidy mentioned that The giant bolster finished in front of it at the gold cup but different course, distance, ground etc etc you can't compare Cheltenham races with biting day

[bowles10]

Great news long run won Silences the doubters also, if it hadn't won today I don't think I would ever have backed it again as it had everything over the others IMO Aidy mentioned that The giant bolster finished in front of it at the gold cup but different course, distance, ground etc etc you can't compare Cheltenham races with biting day

Boxing day obviously !!!

[who?me?]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012

Since Edredon Bleu caused an upset in 2003 only three horses, Kicking King, Kauto Star and Long Run have won the King George so it is probably fair to say that the trends surrounding this race may just be a little skewed. Still let’s give it a go and see where it leads. In recent seasons, Kicking King and Kauto Star both won this race as six-year-olds before going onto land the Gold Cup atCheltenhamthree months later – a festival clue in its own right. Technically, Long Run also achieved that feat in the 2010 renewal although had the race been run on its usual Boxing Day, rather than a rearranged date in January, he would have only been a five-year-old. Seven-year-olds have a pretty similar record thanks to recent victories for First Gold, Best Mate, Kicking King and Kauto Star but that still leaves us with half the field this year including favourite Long Run. Given that the King George is one of the highlights of the National Hunt season it isn’t that surprising that those coming into the race in top form usually lands the spoils. Nine of the last twelve winners of this race had been successful on their most recent start which is a pretty strong return in anyone’s book – an added bonus for Cue Card, Junior and Kauto Stone. An official rating of at least 160 is a must when looking for the winner of the King George – this may make you reconsider Grands Crus of the fancied runners who currently sits on 157. Junior and Champion Court also both fall below the expected standard of a King George winner. It is vital that any selection is a proven Grade 1 performer. The 1998 winner, Teeton Mill was the last King George winner that hadn’t previously won a Grade 1. With that in mind, Captain Chris, Long Run, Grands Crus, Riverside Theatre, Kauto Stone and Cue Card. The Giant Bolster is yet to win above Grade 3 level over fences but he did find only Synchronisd too good in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. It would unwise to back a horse solely on the trainers record in this race as six of the last ten renewals have been won by the same two horses. Obviously, Paul Nicholls currently leads the field partly thanks to the five victories of Kauto Star, but he also won this race in 1999 with See More Business. Nicky Henderson’s runners had always tended to be the bridesmaid rather than the bride as he had four runners fill the minor placings since 2001, but the 2010 renewal saw him get his rewards when Long Run not only broke his duck in the race but Riverside Theatre gave him a prestigious 1-2. At the start of the century, the King George winners had been taking part in a variety of prep races but in recent seasons the Betfair Chase has really come to the fore. Haydock’s Grade 1 has now featured on the roll call in five of the last seven years. Despite the fact there’s been a couple of potentially doubtful stayers land the King George in recent seasons, a large percentage of winners had proven stamina on their side. Plenty of classy but sub three miles chasers have taken their chance in the King George, including the likes of Remittance Man, Deep Sensation, Travado, Flagship Uberalles and Azertyuiop but all came up short when it mattered. This trend puts a question mark over Captain Chris, For Non Stop, Cue Card,Champion Courtand Riverside Theatre and who have never won beyond two and a half miles. It is probably a question that will be raised in many racing households but on the evidence so seen so far, there has to be an element of doubt about their ability to get the trip. As with any race, there is always the occasional shock in the King George but favourite backers would have made a pretty penny overall as seven of the last ten winners had been at the head of affairs. Even accounting for Edredon Bleu’s shock 25/1 victory in 2003, the average starting price is still pretty low – a shade over 9/2. That firmly points the finger at Long Run Shortlist Long Run (Captain Chris) Conclusion LONG RUN appears to be the stand out in this year’s renewal – his old foe Kauto Star has retired so it would be a surprise if he didn’t make the most of his absence to lift the prize for a second time. He does appear to have the ideal profile, save for the fact that he was beaten at Haydock. There is a question mark about his defeat at Haydock last time out but I think Henderson would have been more concerned about today so he should have him fully wound up and I expect to see a different horse for this one. That’s not saying Long Run wasn’t fit for the race but you don’t win the Gold Cup in November. But there are other horses in the line-up and it wouldn’t be beyond the realms of possibility that one of the ‘outsiders’ comes and spoils the party. So the second spot on the shortlist goes to Captain Chris. Philip Hobbs’ runner could turn out to be the forgotten horse of the race as he put a sluggish 2011-12 season behind him with an impressive victory over Finian’s Rainbow atAscot. He is a three time winner at Kempton – twice over hurdles and once over fences. He had the speed to win an Arkle in 2011 before following up at Punchestown so his ability s clear to see. He is yet to win beyond an extended two and a half miles, however, whilst we cannot know for sure, his performances have suggested that it isn’t beyond him. Despite not living up to his potential yet I’m willing him to give him another chance based on the way he dismantled the opposition atAscot – he could be a different proposition this season and looks the best alternative to Long Run. Grands Crus and Riverside Theatre will attract plenty of support but the former will need to bounce back from a couple of below par efforts whilst Riverside Theatre found Long Run too good in the 2010 renewal and with his injury record it is a big ask for him to get his head in front of his stalemate here. Of the remainder The Giant Bolster doesn’t look the type of horse to enjoy Kempton whilst Cue Card has bundles of ability but at six it would take a special talent to take this prize. Kauto Stone has generally made his seasonal reappearance his season peak and I expect that to be the case again here.

Great read but more important - GREAT CALL :clap

[NeilM]

Great call!! Did you get the Exacta?

[bowles10]

Is that right 24 races and never out of 1st 3 Won a gold cup and 2 king George's Has beaten kauto and denman 2 of The best chasers in recent times and is still only a 7yo No doubt SwC should have won by 10l to convince people but I for one am well pleased for connections and hope we haven't seen the last of long run as a champion

[Aidymac]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012

Great news long run won Silences the doubters also, if it hadn't won today I don't think I would ever have backed it again as it had everything over the others IMO Aidy mentioned that The giant bolster finished in front of it at the gold cup but different course, distance, ground etc etc you can't compare Cheltenham races with biting day

Oh right. Cheers for the hindsight Bowles, would have been a tad handier if you said that pre-race.

[bowles10]

Oh right. Cheers for the hindsight Bowles' date=' would have been a tad handier if you said that pre-race.[/quote'] Thought I had said it somewhere It's a bit of a pet hate of mine I suppose that the festival form is often used to determine the outcome of races on completely different tracks at a different time of year What I would say is the giant bolster for example may do better come march again as conditions may suit it as the gold cup is further etcetcetc I think you get my point Apologies I thought I had posted some comments in the thread about this but must have been thinking about replying and didn't I

[NeilM]

I find it somewhat odd that people compare festival form with other races- for a start, few other tracks have a hill at the end and a horse only just leading there (but victim to a Synchronised style surge) could very well be far ahead at another, flatter, course for example. There are loads of other factors to consider as well: Irish trained horses, French bred horses, the size of the field and that a lot of them have no head-to-head form, specific campaign targets and so on. We've no idea either how things have gone over the summer for example either- perhaps a hoped for step up to chasing hasn't gone well and they've gone back to hurdles which has knackered the training schedule and so on (a reason why periodic perusal of trainer websites is interesting, once you've ploughed through all the stuff about syndicates).

[mowgli77]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012 Quick question - Grands Crus ran well to finish 3rd but I'm not sure it would get 3m2f up the Cheltenham Hill at a good clip against horses like Bobs Worth and Sir Des Champs etc etc. Would you run it in the Gold Cup, drop it back to the Ryanair over 2m5f or how about even going back over hurdles to win a World Hurdle now there is no Big Bucks? I think it was 16's for that race and probably never a better chance to win that race than this year. Also - where do you go with Captain Chris? I mentioned it having an outside chance at 33's a while back for the Gold Cup but the jumping out to the right was an obvious concern. Seems to have jumped better but has gone right handed last 2 races. It's in to 25-1 for the Gold Cup and would surely get the trip but will it be the same horse left handed and at that track. I believe the way it runs on would suggest Cheltenham would suit it but going left handed could be a problem.

[bowles10]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012 whatever they decide to go for, ground will be different i expect Captain Chris connections want to go for the Gold Cup but wouldnt Aintree suit better and pick up a nice prize instead. I think connections forget the Aintree meeting these days in favour of Cheltenham Grand Crus gets 3m for me and no further. Would like to see it take on Long Run at Newbury in the Aon Chase in February personally Just hope the ground gets better over the next 2 months :)

[mowgli77]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012

whatever they decide to go for, ground will be different i expect Captain Chris connections want to go for the Gold Cup but wouldnt Aintree suit better and pick up a nice prize instead. I think connections forget the Aintree meeting these days in favour of Cheltenham Grand Crus gets 3m for me and no further. Would like to see it take on Long Run at Newbury in the Aon Chase in February personally Just hope the ground gets better over the next 2 months :)

Capt Chris could go Aintree > Punchestown and skip Cheltenham but not sure owners would favour that. They always seem to water the course the day before at Cheltenham so I could see it being good to soft on day one and good by day four if left alone to dry out. I just hope it isn't heavy in March.

[mowgli77]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012 What did people think of Dicky Johnson in the finish on Captain Chris? He got the horse to jump the last really well and went clear by about a length or so but then when he was rowing away he didn't look in time with the horse and I can't believe it got beat. I didn't back either that or Long Run so no financial interest whatsoever but all the talk about SWC being poor in the saddle and he rallied Long Run to victory while Dicky was rowing on the spot and getting nowhere on the horse that looked to have the momentum.

[bowles10]

Think the horse was on empty after the last Was scrubbing along down the back and seemed to have no chance in the race but deckie got the horse back up the straight and very nearly lasted home My concern now is that last fence as often kauto misjudged it and now long run 2 years running !

[TheRat]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012 Think the horse emptied too. Was some jump he put in at the last thought. DJ had a whip ban too because of that ride

[fintron]

Re: Race In Focus - King George VI Chase - Kempton Racecourse - 26th December 2012 Not long till the Lincoln lads, dont worry :-)