‘The Steeple Times’ offers selections for Boxing Day’s King George VI Chase at Kempton Park and options in four other races
Today, with racing returning for Boxing Day and a showdown between amongst others Nico de Boinville, Harry Cobden, Brendan Powell, Bryony Frost and Rachael Blackmore in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park (3.05pm), we’re hoping for a repeat success for Frodon and are looking at EACH WAY BETS on:
3.05pm Kempton Park – King George VI Chase (9 runners, 3 places)
Nico de Boinville – Nicky Henderson combo Chantry House at 7/2 (The Sun ‘Each-Way Thief’, Racing Post, At The Races ’Top Tip’, SPOTLIGHT, LAMBOURN, Daily Telegraph, Mirror, Daily Record)
The Sun suggests: “He made it four chase wins in a row at Sandown latest and is highly rated by master trainer Nicky Henderson.”
Racing Post concludes: “This is a Christmas cracker. Slight preference is for the up-and-coming CHANTRY HOUSE, ahead of Clan Des Obeaux… It’s possible to envisage any of the main players winning and preference for CHANTRY HOUSE is only slight. The selection is facing his toughest assignment to date but he’s a progressive ‘fresh face’ who could easily give a festive fright to the established names. Clan Des Obeaux is marginal second choice.”
At The Races adds: “That leaves us with the unexposed CHANTRY HOUSE, who has barely put a foot wrong over fences thus far, is proven over the trip and as a Marsh Chase winner, looks to have the relevant gears for this test.”
Also in the same race, Brendan Powell – Colin Tizzard combo Lostintranslation at 16/1
Racing Post remarks: “May use his Ascot reappearance win as a springboard to recapturing his peak form.”
Also in the same race, Bryony Frost – Paul Nicholls combo Frodon at 7/1 (POSTDATA, Daily Express)
Greg Wood for Guardian observes: “Frodon and Bryony Frost, who led all the way last year to win at 20-1, will go off at around 6-1 this time around, as will Chantry House, a dual Grade One winner as a novice last season. Asterion Forlonge, Saint Calvados and the mercurial Lostintranslation also arrive at Kempton with a chance on the pick of their form, so the only guarantee this year is that finding the winner on Sunday afternoon will be well worth the effort.”
At The Races shares: “Frodon looks to have one way of going and he may not be allowed to dictate as he was last year.”
Bryony Frost, herself, adds: “It is mad to think we won the race 12 months ago and it really doesn’t feel that long ago. Everyone has counted down to Christmas Day but I’ve been counting down to Boxing Day.”
“Frodon galloped at Wincanton last week and my arms were a couple of inches longer that evening from him towing me around in the boisterous way he does. I was happy with that. We schooled together on Monday and it was just how we wanted it with him near enough out of control.”
“One thing Paul [Nicholls, Frodon’s trainer] said to me last year was he wishes the crowd was there as a King George crowd is phenomenal on Boxing Day.”
“The public in racing are awesome when they start getting behind certain individuals and athletes. It is really cool to be one of those pairs that people look forward to seeing, and appreciating you as much as I appreciate him. I’m very lucky to have him.”
“People love his characteristics, his running style, his jumping. When I met him he was a very good handicapper and now he has progressed to be one of the most talked about horses. For me, I’m very proud of that.”
“If Frodon was a boxer he would already have a load of belts standing behind him in the ring when he starts parading. You just focus on the job you have to do. I know his pace and his sections. He knows me and he knows the track and he comes alive on the big days.”
Racing Post finishes: “Admirable front-runner; won this contest last year; should make another bold bid.”
1.20pm Kempton Park (8 runners, 3 places)
Sean Bowen – Nicky Henderson combo Mister Coffey at 4/1 (The Sun ‘Each-Way Thief’, Racing Post, At The Races ‘Watch Out For’)
The Sun shares: “He showed plenty of promise when third on his chase debut at Newbury last time. That was after a long break and there should be a lot more to come.”
At The Races adds: “Mister Coffey is open to improvement following his third at Newbury last month, with the step back up in trip likely to suit.”
Racing Post muses: “Bothwell Bridge is feared but his stablemate MISTER COFFEY is open to improvement stepping back up in trip and gets the vote… Encouraging start over fences when third at Newbury; progress probable; high on the list.”
Also in the same race, Harry Cobden – Paul Nicholls combo Danny Kirwan at 3/1 (Daily Mail ‘Robin Goodfellow’ and ‘Gimcrack’, The Sun TREBLE, Daily Record)
The Sun says: “Went close on chase debut at Cheltenham latest.”
At The Races offers: “Danny Kirwan, who filled the runner-up spot on his first attempt over the larger obstacles at Cheltenham, completes the shortlist.”
Racing Post adds: “Promising chasing debut when second at Cheltenham; leading contender off the same mark.”
2.10pm Wetherby (9 runners, 3 places)
Henry Brooke on Lake View Lad at 11/1 (The Sun ‘Longshot’, Daily Star, POSTDATA)
The Sun states: “He came back from a long break with a solid third at Haydock last time. More rain would help but this stamina test will bring out his best.”
Racing Post adds: “Won this in 2018 and ran well at Haydock this month; could go well off attractive mark.”
Also in the same race, Charlie Deutsch – Venetia Williams combo Cloudy Glen at 15/2 (Daily Telegraph)
Racing Post comments: “Won the ultra-competitive Ladbrokes Trophy and a 10lb rise may not prevent a follow up.”
At The Races less enthusiastic: “Cloudy Glen went up 10lb for his Ladbrokes Trophy success at Newbury, but he has been a tricky customer at times.”
2.15pm Market Rasen (11 runners, 3 places)
Jack Quinlan – Caroline Bailey combo Cobra De Mai at 11/1 (Racing Post ‘Dark Horse’)
Sam Hardy for Racing Post remarks: “Showed signs of a revival last time when second in a hotter race than this. The step up in trip could bring out further improvement, especially with the ground on the soft side.”
At The Races adds: “Cobra De Mai was a surprise second on that same Wetherby card.”
Racing Post comments: “Unraced beyond 3m2f; used to act on soft; needs another step back up the ladder.”
Also in the same race, Theo Gillard – Donald McCain combo Brother Pat at 16/1 (Daily Mail ‘Gimcrack’, Sporting Life, Daily Record)
Racing Post says: “Won well at 3m3f and still in good form last time; not proven on worse than good to soft.”
Also in the same race, Tom Scudamore – David Pipe combo Sidi Ismael at 10/3 (GG.co.uk, WEST COUNTRY, Daily Telegraph, Guardian, Daily Mail ‘Robin Goodfellow’ and ‘Captain Heath Trio’ NB)
Racing Post remarks: “Won very smoothly on chase debut at Wetherby (3m, good to soft) in cheekpieces; up 9lb.”
At The Races adds: “SIDI ISMAEL has taken his game to a new level since joining David Pipe and supplemented a Lingfield hurdling success when making a winning start to life over fences at Wetherby. He stuck to his guns well so can handle the rise from 3m.”
2.50pm Market Rasen (9 runners, 3 places)
Martin double Midnight Ginger at 5/1 (Guardian, Racing post ‘Handicappers’ NAP’, RP Ratings, Daily Star)
Steve Mason for Racing post observes: “Back to form when taking advantage of a favourable mark here this month and looks to have decent prospects of following up over a trip that suits.”
Racing Post adds: “Back in form when winning over 2m here early in the month; 4lb rise looks fair.”
At The Races comments: “Midnight Ginger also arrives in winning form after springing back into life over the extended 2m here.”
Also in the same race, Tom Scudamore – David Pipe combo Master Blaze at 7/1 (Daily Telegraph, Daily Express, WEST COUNTRY)
Racing Post says: “Well held from the front when back from wind surgery for his new yard recently.”
At The Races adds: “Better was expected of Master Blaze on his British bow and he can’t be ruled out.”
EACH WAY DOUBLE
For those looking for an each way double, I am going with Midnight Ginger in the 2.50pm at Market Rasen and Chantry House in the 3.05pm at Kempton Park at 28.9/1.
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Happy Boxing Day and happy racing.
Pictured top – Bryony Frost wins on Frodon on 26th December 2020.