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King George VI Chase
King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day
The annual Christmas treat for all racing fans comes at Kempton on Boxing Day in the form of the King George VI Chase.This historic Grade One three mile race has been won by the majority of jump racing's legends including Arkle, Pendil, Silver Buck, Wayward Lad, Desert Orchid, Best Mate and Kauto Star.
The 2009 renewal affords Kauto Star the chance to make history by becoming the first horse to win the race in four consecutive years.
The Paul Nicholls trained French bred chaser has proved himself to be the most versatile top class jumps star since the mighty Desert Orchid, winning Grade Ones from two miles up to three and a quarter miles, but it is arguable that the three mile Kempton trip is his optimum test.
Kauto Star is being prepared with just two targets this season, the King George and the Gold Cup. He showed terrific class and courage to win the Betfair Chase at Haydock last month. It is known that trainer Paul Nicholls wasn't overly keen on this race as Kauto Star's Kempton prep, but owner Clive Smith held sway.
Reported to have come on for the Haydock run, Kauto Star will line up at the Sunbury track on the 26th as a rightful
Apart from the Kempton fences, who are the possible threats to the defending champion?
On the basis of his Ryanair success at the Festival and his huge run at Haydock last month, the principal market rival to Kauto Star is Imperial Commander.
Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies is convinced that his progressive chaser needed the Haydock run, and paddock inspection showed the eight-year-old to be carrying plenty of condition.
The main concern for those looking to back Imperial Commander is his run in the King George last Christmas. Having won the Paddy Power at Cheltenham, the son of Flemensfirth went to Kempton a well backed 10/1 chance to topple Kauto and co. However, after racing up with the pace for most of the race, Paddy Brennan's mount dropped tamely away before the turn for home, eventually trailing in over 70 lengths behind Kauto Star.
Imperial Commander bounced back to win at the Festival before disappointing at Punchestown on his final start of last season. There is a theory that he doesn't run his best races on right handed tracks, but this looks to be a little unfair on the limited evidence available. More of an issue, in my opinion, is that historically the Twiston-Davies yard have blown very hot and cold.
Madison Du Berlais may turn out to be the main challenger to Kauto Star on Boxing Day.
David Pipe's charge made dramatic strides last season, winning the Hennessy of a mark of 150 in November, beating Denman at Kempton in February before ending his season with a clear-cut win at Aintree from the ill-fated Exotic Dancer. The handicapper now has the eight-year-old on a mark of 169, which makes him a serious contender in all the Grade One races.
Madison Du Berlais made a most satisfactory seasonal debut at Haydock, when third to Kauto Star and Imperial Commander. Conditions that day were not in his favour - his best form is on better ground and a ton of improvement can be expected when he lines up at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Of the others who could make the final field, Albertas Run has place claims, but it hard to see him reversing the 2008 form with Kauto Star in this race. Nacarat looked a potential star when destroying a classy field in the Racing Post Chase over this course and distance last February, and then running such a solid race in Grade One company at Aintree. However, he has lost his way this term and looks one to swerve on current form. Barbers Shop ran like a non-stayer in both the Gold Cup and more recently the Hennessy, so this three mile trip could be him best distance.
Cooldine would be fascinating runner, if making the trip over from Ireland. Running in the colours made famous by Florida Pearl, the Willie Mullins trained seven-year-old progressed to a high point of an RSA Chase success at the Festival last season. However, he has evidently had a couple of setbacks this winter and has yet to be seen on the track. It is possible that connections might opt for an easier option at home over the Festive period as they build up to the Gold Cup in March.
Look out for a wide range of special markets on the King George this month - these will include betting without Kauto Star + win & distance doubles markets for the leading runners.
