13.20 Kempton

Full Shift, Rajdhani Express, Polyfast and Boomshakalaka have all won this event for the Nicky Henderson stable in the past 10 years and it looks noticeable that he allows REIGNING SUPREME (best price 4-1) to make his chasing debut in a race of this nature. The former pointer has always been regarded as a chaser in waiting and his two best efforts over hurdles came on a flat track in Newbury so today’s venue looks ideal. The progressive Touch Kick jumped well and displayed admirable battling qualities to score at Sandown so is shortlisted as chief danger. 

Reigning Supreme - 0.5pts e/w @ 4/1

13.55 Kempton

MIA’S STORM (Best price 11-4) has looked a complete natural over fences from day one and is taken to confirm the immense promise she has shown in victories at Chepstow and Market Rasen this season. Her debut chase win saw her easily dismiss Elegant Escape before she hammered a decent field of mares by upwards of 13 lengths last month without coming off the bridle. Hopefully she can find a similar rhythm and extend a career record which stands at 111 over three miles.

Mia's Storm - 1pt @ 11/4

Wetherby 14.10

The Sue Smith-duo Wakanda, second in this race 12 months ago, and Delusionofgrandeur are likely to make this a proper test at the trip and might take some overhauling. However. Warren Greatrex landed this race two years ago and looks to have a leading candidate in ALOOMOMO (Best price 10-3) who has run twice over hurdles so far this season with his trainer keen to protect his chase mark. This is a new trip for the selection but he looks as though it should suit at this stage of his career and he should prove a threat to all off his light weight.

Aloomomo - 1pt @ 10/3

14.30 Kempton

The absence of the stay at home Faugheen means this race should theoretically be a simple task for BUVEUR D’AIR to extend his winning sequence to a magnificent seven. There is a school of thought that the reigning Champion Hurdler is a little under-appreciated as he has been supremely impressive since being returned to hurdles, winning two Grade Ones in the spring before toying with his opposition in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle. 

The New One ran a blinder at Cheltenham when narrowly beaten by My Tent Or Yours in the International Hurdle and could give Buveur D’Air most to think about, although OLD GUARD (Best price 11-4 without favourite) (fifth at Cheltenham beaten three lengths) is likely to be ridden to pick up some pieces late on so could prove the one for the forecast at a track where he has already won this season. With some layers offering prices without the favourite, Old Guard could be a shade of value to chase home the market leader.

Old Guard (without Buvear D’air) - 1pt @ 11/4

15.05 Kempton

Back MIGHT BITE (Best price 6-4) to bare his teeth and devour his rivals in today’s King George IV Chase.

Life is rarely dull with Nicky Henderson’s enigmatic chaser who snatched defeat from the jaws of victory with a dramatic last-fence fall on this card 12 months ago. His erroneous ways were again showcased at the Cheltenham Festival last March with a last-gasp wobble on the run-in which nearly gifted victory to stablemate Whisper.

Thankfully, signs of normality have characterised recent winning displays and an authoritative return at Sandown suggested the son of Scorpion is ready to hand his trainer a third win in the Boxing Day feature. For those looking for more turkey on their bone, WHISPER appeals as the logical each-way alternative as he has twice hunted up his stablemate and has fewer questions to answer than some of his shorter-priced rivals. 

Might Bite - 1pt @ 6/4