THE KING GEORGE 

The highlight on Boxing Day is the King George where we have a fantastic line up with two top Irish performers challenging some promising British runners who could still have more to offer on the top stage. Not to mention last years winner Banbridge returning with the 2024 runner up Il Est Francais. The current favourite Gaelic Warrior showed amazing stamina and class to lead Fact to File from start tp finish and hold off the challenge on the line. Some could argue that the best jockey got up that day and Kempton might suit Fact to File slightly better. My main concern for both horses is how much has that race took out of them, it is very early in the season to be scrapping like that. Jango Baie is the current UK favourite who we seem to think we have found the ceiling with before he goes and wins the Arkle. Although one could argue that was a poor Arkle where Majborough fell apart and has shown nothing since. Having never ran at Kempton you can only compare his run at Aintree where the track and ground are similar. He finished 3rd that day and I don't personally think that for is good enough to win this race. My selection for the race and one of our ten to follow - The Jukebox Man is primed for this race. It has been the target for one year since having to end his season with injury. The argument is on ratings he isn't up to this but he had a season on the sidelines and has only ran three times chasing. He is definitely the horse who has the most potential for improvement and the way quickens from his fences is so impressive. I just can't see how he finishes outside the top 3 and at 8/1 that will do each way for me.

THE REST OF KEMPTON

1320 - Kitzbuhel heads over to Kempton from Ireland with Paul Townend taking lead on the Mullins raiders. A decent hurdler having won the RedMill trial at Gowran he has shown loads of improvement on his beginners chase start. Doing it nicely and obvious claims here. The horse I like here is  WENDIGO lost his chase start when 2nd to Wade Out by a head but 12 lengths ahead of the rest. Took a big step forward when getting the better of No Questions Asked. I think experience will help here. 

1355 - We see the return of Sir Gino who if he is anything close to his best will take some beaten here. Hard to back a horse who had so much hard luck and at one point was not expected to run again. It will be nice just to see him back and Henderson is the man to get the, ready.