Hitman (8-13 favourite) landed a first chase success since March 2021 when scoring in the Get Daily Rewards With Betfair Graduation Chase at Haydock Park.
And now he looks set for a mouthwatering clash with stable-mate Bravemansgame in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. Although the latter, who impressed when winning the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby last month and won this same Haydock contest 12 months ago, is currently the 11-8 favourite with bet365 for the Grade One Christmas cracker, trainer Paul Nicholls feels there is little between his two rising chasers. Hitman was cut to as low as 7-1 from 25-1 with some firms for the King George but was a best-priced 10-1.
Under Harry Coden, the Nicholls-trained six-year-old finally got back on track taking the 2m6f contest by 11 lengths having led from start to finish. Having been narrowly beaten by Riders Onthe Storm in the Old Roan Chase on his seasonal return at Aintree Racecourse and also been runner-up in the Marsh Chase at last season's the Randox Grand National Festival, he went one better stepped up in trip and down in grade at Haydock.
