ITV Racing Tips: Boxing Day Double for King George Day at Kempton

The Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices' Chase might be short on numbers, but it is quality over quantity and a race to look forward to. The French raider II Est Francais has won seven of his last eight starts and romped to success last time, but his form is incomparable to HERMES ALLEN (best price 6/4) who can land a second Grade 1 race of his career.

The initial plan was for stablemate Knappers Hill to run, but with him potentially sidelined for the rest of the season, this former Challow Hurdle winner is a perfect substitute and is sure to relish the step-up to three miles. The six-year-old has won four of his six starts, and despite being beaten at the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals, he made an impressive chase/seasonal debut at Newbury.

The Grade 2 John Francome Novices' Chase he contested on his chase debut wasn’t the strongest of renewals, but he jumped well throughout and had far too many gears for his rivals when asked for his effort, in which he pulled six lengths clear of the second. I am surprised he’s not the clear favourite, because his form is by far and large the best on offer, and everything about this race looks spot on for him.

He jumps well, travels well, is the only Grade 1 winner in the field, and is held in the highest esteem by team-Ditcheat. Trainer Paul Nicholls has won two of the last six renewals and teamed up to collect the race two seasons ago with Bravemansgame. With distinct improvement on the cards, I am very sweet on the chances of this exciting chaser, who can outclass these and provide owners Alex Ferguson and The Hales with festive success.

The feature race is the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase, and although I have already nominated ALLAHO (best price 9/4) in a couple of long-form pieces for this race on oddschecker, I am happy to back him again in today’s column, as I’m struggling to see him beaten with plenty in his favour.

The nine-year-old only had two rivals to beat on his return but won in a canter, and in his previous start, he thumped dual King George winner Clan Des Obeaux by 14 lengths. That was a brilliant performance, and trainer Willie Mullins has firmly had this race on his agenda.

His bold and positive style of racing and jumping should see him in full flight around this flat track, and it is noteworthy to see Paul Townend come over to ride him rather than stay in Ireland. He is also the only last-time out winner in the field, with most of the remainder having plenty to prove.

I cannot pick any holes in his form, especially when comparing him to the other five runners, and the drying ground will be favourable as well. He can prove the doubters wrong by handing his trainer a second win in this in three years. A worthy favourite.

For Architect Tips King Geoge VI Chase preview, click here.

In the Ladbrokes Get Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Hurdle, the odds about MAHON’S GLORY (best price 11/1) are very appealing, with four places generally available.

The seven-year-old, trained by Patrick Neville, was consistent in defeat in nearly all starts when formerly trained in Ireland and ran well in all three starts in the UK when trained by Dr. Richard Newland last season.

He looks well handicapped off a mark of 126, having beaten the 129-rated Heezer Geezer at Aintree last October before a solid fifth in a Grade 2 race at Doncaster. That form has been strongly advertised since. 

He then finished third at Kelso in a strong race, and even though he was well held in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle on his return/stable debut at the start of this month, he will find the return to a handicap easier. 

It is interesting to see him pitch into such a tough race on his first run of the season, and one can only assume it was to get him spot-on for this assignment. Sam Twiston-Davies maintains the partnership, and I can see him running well in the concluding race on the card.