Boxing Day ITV Races

Hi all,

With the Christmas excesses out of the way, we can now get stuck into some top-class jumps racing.

#The Boxing Day centrepiece is the King George VI Chase (2:30) at Kempton, which I look at in more detail below. It’s one of three Grade 1s on the card, alongside the Christmas Hurdle (1:55) and the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase (1:20). Over at Aintree, the Grade 1 Formby Hurdle (1:05) is the feature.

ITV Racing will show the best of the action from Kempton, plus the Formby Hurdle and the William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (1:35) at Wetherby.

Final declarations were brought forward to Tuesday due to the Christmas holidays and, in truth, some of the field sizes are disappointing. Just five runners go to post for the Rowland Meyrick, while we’re also denied the anticipated Mydaddypaddy versus Act Of Innocence clash in the Formby Hurdle.

Here’s my look at the live ITV action.

Kempton – Boxing Day Preview

The ground was good to soft, good in places as of 2pm on Wednesday December 24th, with little rain forecast.

12:45 – U Cant Be Serious Seeks Third Straight Success

U Cant Be Serious has won both starts over fences, most recently at Exeter, and showed plenty of grit to get the job done. A 6lb rise asks a question, but his attitude suggests he’ll keep progressing.

Noble Park is also 2 from 2 over fences, having won a Lingfield handicap chase 29 days ago. He’s 11lb higher now but remains open to improvement. Nicky Henderson has a solid record in this race, having won two of the last ten runnings.

1:20 – Kauto Star Novices’ Chase: Kitzbuhel Looks the Key

Willie Mullins runs Kitzbuhel here rather than Jimmy Du Seuil. He impressed at Punchestown on his chase debut and that form has been well franked. He should prove a better chaser than hurdler but does need to show he stays three miles.

Salver arrives off a Grade 2 win at Sandown and is unexposed over staying trips, though softer ground may suit him better.

Wendigo outstayed No Questions Asked in the Grade 2 John Francome Novices’ Chase at Newbury and can improve again now back up to three miles.

1:55 – Christmas Hurdle: Sir Gino Returns

Sir Gino makes his long-awaited return after a serious infection. A Grade 1-winning juvenile hurdler, he’s a 4/6 ante-post favourite and should win this if anywhere near his best, with the Champion Hurdle the longer-term target.

Golden Ace has the stronger recent hurdles form. She landed the Champion Hurdle in March and followed up in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle last month. Both wins came with a slice of fortune, but if Sir Gino isn’t fully wound up, she’s well placed to take advantage again.

2:30 – Ladbrokes King George VI Chase: Open Battle at Kempton

Last year’s winner Banbridge and runner-up Il Est Français are back at double-figure prices, which underlines the depth of this renewal. Il Est Français is only seven and jumps and travels beautifully around Kempton. Banbridge could also run into the frame again if conditions fall right, as they did 12 months ago. Sean Bowen is booked, and he sports a first-time visor.

The Willie Mullins pair Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File head the market. Gaelic Warrior has a serious engine and goes well right-handed, but both had hard races in the John Durkan. I’m also not convinced Fact To File will get home in a strongly run three miles.

The Jukebox Man won last year’s Kauto Star over C&D and remains unexposed. He’ll need another step forward to land what looks an above-average King George.

Jango Baie won the Arkle at Cheltenham last season and improved his RPR by 8lb when winning the Grade 2 Ladbrokes 1965 Chase at Ascot on his seasonal return. He shapes like a horse who could find more again now stepping up to three miles.

Djelo completes the shortlist. He travelled strongly when winning the Charlie Hall at Wetherby and followed up in the Peterborough Chase. A solid Grade 2 performer who goes well right-handed, but he still needs to prove he’s a genuine Grade 1 chaser.

Aintree – Boxing Day Highlights

1:05 – William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle: Mydaddypaddy Looks Unbeatable

Mydaddypaddy puts his unbeaten record on the line in this Grade 1. He’s looked visually impressive in both starts and is the ante-post favourite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. With Act Of Innocence absent, this now looks a penalty kick for the 4yo.

Wetherby – Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (1:35)

The turnout is disappointing, but Konfusion looks hard to beat. The 7yo bolted up by 15 lengths in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle and is 2 from 2 at Wetherby. He’s 10lb higher here, but the yard remains in good form with its handicap chasers. Expect him to be ridden positively and prove hard to pass.

Tomorrow, I'll look at the best of Saturday's action on Coral Welsh Grand National Day.

Good luck with your Boxing Day bets.

John