The Boxing Day racing bonanza is headed yet again by a pulsating King George VI Chase at what could be the last staging of the prestigious Grade One at Kempton Racecourse.
Eight runners go to post at this stage, headed by two Willie Mullins juggernauts in the form of Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File. The British contingent is led by the progressive Jango Baie and the Harry Redknapp owned The Jukebox Man.
We preview the action and check out best bets from our partner firms, Bet365, William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports.
The Runners
Gaelic Warrior
This Willie Mullins trained stable star has risen to great heights in the last year having won at Aintree, Sandown and recently narrowly seeing off race rival Fact To File in the John Durkan chase.
He is gutsy, resilient, and versatile whilst this should be the ideal trip for him, having proved his ability to stay over 3 miles at Aintree last April. His form CV is watertight since Gray Dawning won the Grade One Betfair Chase last month, a horse Gaelic Warrior beat easily at Aintree.
A deserved favourite and the one to beat. Best odds of 3/1 with Bet365 and William Hill.
Fact To File
The second Willie Mullins trained entry Fact To File is a class act, at least around Cheltenham where he has landed the Brown Advisory and Ryanair Chase in subsequent years.
However, it is the latter where he provided a career best nine length win over Heart Wood and Envoi Allen. He comes here match fit after his John Durkan narrow defeat to Gaelic Warrior and is our selection to win.
Surprisingly, it would also be owner JP McManus’ first triumph in this race. Best odds of 3/1 with William Hill
Jango Baie
The chief British challenger, the Cheltenham Festival Arkle winner Jango Baie was mighty impressive winning the Ascot Grade 2 1965 Chase last month.
However, it is questionable whether he beat anything of note. The trip is also a concern despite the way he stayed on in the Ascot race, and this is generally a big step up in class.
Nevertheless, if he can replicate the Ascot form, he is in with a big shout and he has been the subject of betting interest in the last few days. Best odds of 3/1 with William Hill.
The Jukebox Man
There remains an air of the unexposed concerning the Harry Redknapp owned The Jukebox Man. He was devastating when winning last year’s Kauto Star Novices Chase over course and distance and trotted up nicely at Haydock recently after a long lay-off.
He needs to improve further to compete with the Mullins duo but remains of each way interest. Best odds of 6/1 with William Hill.
Djelo
Stayed on well to beat Pic D’Orhy in the Grade 2 Bet365 Charlie Hall Chase early last month although this is a significant step up in class. Nevertheless, this Venetia Williams trained entry is a progressive sort and could figure with improvement. Each way claims at 14/1.
Banbridge
Last year’s winner needs to find more based on his last three outings. However, last year’s renewal was a far less hot affair than this year’s. Wearing a visor for the first time may give him the lift he needs. Best odds of 14/1 with William Hill and Boylesports.
Il Est Francais
A desperately frustrating horse to follow. When he won the Kauto Star Novices Chase two years ago, he was rated one of the best chasers in Britain. It was an awe-inspiring display of jumping and galloping.
He looked booked to win last year’s renewal of this race but was collared on the run in by Banbridge. However, he loves this track and if he can produce his absolute best, he may run them all ragged.
But it is difficult to predict which horse will turn up. Excellent each way fun at 20/1 with William Hill.
Master Chewy
Has won a couple of Grade 2 chases but will need to improve significantly to figure here. Best odds of 100/1 with William Hill.
Verdict
A fascinating race with a field fit for the occasion. On paper, the two Mullins favourites should have this between them. Jango Baie and The Jukebox Man have a little more to prove and the each way threats from previous winner Banbridge, Charlie Hall winner Djelo and the enigmatic but unpredictable Il Est Francais are significant.
Fact To File may just have the class and staying power to emerge narrowly victorious.
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