Tuesday 26th December 2023
Author: Jordan Yates (EvRacing_)
Welcome aboard to my Boxing Day Preview where I’ve got six selections to share with you all from Kempton, Aintree and Wetherby. I’ll also be sharing my verdict on the King George itself, so make sure to gamble responsibily if you are punting.
Prices correct as of 17.00pm 24/12
12.45 Kempton: Ladbrokes Boost Your Odds On Racing Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase: My first punt of the day comes from Kempton in the 12.45 which is a novice handicap chase over two miles and four and a half furlongs. I’m taking a chance of Es Perfecto here for Alan King and Gavin Sheehan, I put him up on his most recent outing which came at Cheltenham where he finished second of seven behind Ginny’s Destiny. He ran well for large parts of that race and has been dropped a pound for the run, I think he’s got every chance of putting in a bold effort off this mark. Es Perfecto – 6/1 (Each-Way)
1.05 Aintree: William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle: We go over to Aintree now for the 1.05 which is Grade 1 action in the Formby Novices Hurdle, most commonly known as the Tolworth. I like the chances of the Irish raider here Farren Glory who’s currenlty a 7/2 chance in the betting for Gordon Elliott and Sean Bowen. He’s already tasted Grade 1 success this term having won the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse on his most recent outing, and that’s the best form on offer here. There’s every chance he could progress again and I think he’s a massive player. Farren Glory – 7/2F (Win)
1.20 Kempton: Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices’ Chase: It’s more Grade 1 action at 1.20 as the Kauto Star Novices Chase takes centre-stage at Kempton Park. I think that this year’s renewal of the race can go to Hermes Allen who currently heads affairs for Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden. The yard have an excellent record in the race and I think this is another horse who could well be top-class over the larger obstacles, he made no mistake on chase debut at Newbury last month when bolting up by six-lengths and I think he’ll prove tough to beat in this. Hermes Allen – 7/4JF (Win)
1.35: Wetherby: William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase: Next up for me is the 1.35 at Wetherby which is the Rowland Meryick Handicap Chase, a Premier Hanidcap ridden over three miles. I like the chances of Empire Steel here who’s currently a 3/1 chance in the betting for Sandy Thomson and Ryan Mania. He posted a solid effort on his seasonal reappearance when third at Kelso back in October, and it’s likely that the decent pot on offer here has always been the plan. He’s no stranger to competitive handicaps and looks to be on a decent mark to go well. Empire Steel – 3/1 (Win)
1.40 Aintree: William Hill Epic Value Handicap Hurdle: We move back down to Aintree for the 1.40 which is a handicap hurdle that’s set to be ridden over a distance of two miles and four furlongs. I’m siding with Bucksy Des Epeires here who represents the team of Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch. He won on his stable debut for the yard and then posted a fine effort when second in a competitve handicap at Sandown earlier this month, he’s got a lot to find on ratings with market rival Minella Drama, but he gets a lot of weight off him and the Williams charge appears to have significant progression yet to come. Bucksy Des Eperies – 2/1F (Win)
2.30 Kempton: Ladbrokes King George VI Chase: My concluding selection of the day comes in the big one at 2.30 which is the King George VI Chase, a Grade 1 affair over three miles. I’m siding with the Irish challenger in this year’s race which is Allaho for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend. He’s a multiple Grade 1 winner having made the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham his own in 2021 and 2022, and won the Grade 2 Clonmel Oil Chase comfortably when returning to the track last month following a setback. It remains to be seen whether he can reach the heights of his peak again, but I’ve not been convinced by Bravemansgame so far this season, and the same can definitely be said for Shishkin. If the Mullins charge is anywhere near his best, he’ll take a lot of beating. Allaho – 13/8F (Win)
