There have been many renewals of the King George VI Chase in recent years which revolved around a clear market leader but there is no obvious starting point for weighing up this year’s race at Kempton on Thursday, as nine of the 11 runners already have at least one Grade One victory over fences to their name and at least four – Spillane’s Tower, Banbridge, Grey Dawning and Il Est Francais – could conceivably set off as favourite.
There are also slight question marks over all four of the principals in the betting. Banbridge is unproven at the three-mile trip, Il Est Francais ran poorly after bursting a blood vessel last time out, Spillane’s Tower has shown his best form with more cut in the ground and Grey Dawning had a tough race in the Betfair Chase in November.
Every punter will have their own idea about how best to weigh it all in the balance, and Bravemansgame, the winner in 2022 and second behind Hewick last year, is an interesting each-way alternative at double-figure odds as he returns to a track and trip which clearly suits him so well.
For a win bet, however, the most appealing option is the progressive Grey Dawning (2.30). He would probably have won the Betfair Chase – his first start in open Grade One company – but for a slow jump at the last, is already among the top-rated runners in the field but also has as much scope for improvement as any of his rivals as Thursday’s race will be only his eighth race over fences.
Dan Skelton’s runner is already the most prominent British‑trained chaser in the Gold Cup betting, and he is a decent bet at around 5‑1 to underline both his talent and his potential by giving his trainer a first success in jumping’s midwinter showpiece.
Kempton 12.45 Leave Of Absence has been a very tricky horse to train but made a strong start over fences for Anthony Honeyball at this course last month and may have been let in lightly for his handicap debut.
Aintree 1.05 Five of the seven runners for this Grade One novice are unbeaten over hurdles and Miami Magic, who posted a useful time when skipping 12 lengths clear of his field at Kempton last month, is a decent alternative to Potters Charm, the likely favourite, at early odds of around 7-1.
Kempton 1.20 The step up to three miles over fences should see further improvement from The Jukebox Man after an impeccable chasing debut at Newbury last month.
Sedgefield 11.45 Pigeon House 12.20 Blackwater Lilly 12.50 I’m Too Tired 1.25 Knacker Trapper 2.00 Yealand 2.35 Foster’s Fortune 3.10 Kingston Queen
Wetherby 11.52 Parisian Fashion 12.27 Celestial Fashion 1.00 Jazz King 1.35 Cruz Control (nap) 2.10 Grain D’Oudairies 2.45 American Sniper 3.20 Double Oban
Aintree 11.55 Crystal Glance 12.30 Westerninthepark 1.05 Miami Magic 1.40 Red Dirt Road 2.15 Fortunate Man 2.50 Inedit Star 3.25 Dalston Lad
Fontwell 11.57 Tara Iti 12.32 Hors Jeu 1.07 Koenigsstern 1.42 Galactic Charm 2.17 Hidden History 2.52 Captain Claude 3.27 Gentleman Taboot
Market Rasen 12.08 We’llhavewan 12.40 Some Bro 1.15 Indeevar Bleu 1.47 Kelce 2.22 Kuzco 2.57 Rehill Relic 3.32 Salley Gardens
Kempton 12.45 Leave Of Absence 1.20 The Jukebox Man 1.55 Constitution Hill 2.30 Grey Dawning (nb) 3.05 Kientzheim 3.40 Supreme Glory
Wincanton 12.53 Bluey 1.28 Another Day Out 2.03 Ioupy Collonges 2.38 Firestream 3.13 Paddy In The Caddy 3.45 John Betjeman
Wolverhampton 1.12 Thiscouldbefun 1.50 Naughty Eyes 2.25 Payment Plan 3.00 King’s Code 3.35 Overnight Oats 4.05 Dream Harder 4.35 Brasil Power 5.05 Pessoa 5.40 Match Anthem
Wetherby 1.35 Cruz Control should improve on his seasonal debut at Aintree in October and remains fairly weighted on his winning form at the track in April.
Kempton 1.55 Potentially the race of the day with Constitution Hill defending his unbeaten record against the fast-improving Lossiemouth. She is likely to be his toughest opponent yet but even with a 7lb mares’ allowance, still has something to find if Nicky Henderson has the brilliant former Champion Hurdle winner ready to do himself justice.
