St Stephen’s Day brings one of the highlights of the National Hunt calendar, with all roads leading to Kempton for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase — and this year’s renewal looks every bit as compelling as the name suggests.
All the leading contenders have stood their ground, setting up a mouth-watering second clash of the season between stablemates Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File. The pair met in the John Durkan at Punchestown, where Gaelic Warrior was briefly headed before the last but showed real tenacity to rally and regain the advantage close home. A rematch on the Kempton stage promises another fascinating battle.
For JP McManus, Fact To File represents a chance to land one of the few major prizes still missing from his glittering CV.
“The King George is always an exciting race and it’s nice to have a runner good enough to be one of the favourites, so we keep our fingers crossed,” McManus said. “I was second in 1978 and 1979 and haven’t managed to get our nose in front yet, but Willie seems very happy to go.”
It would be a mistake, however, to view this as a straight shootout. Jango Baie, the Arkle winner trained by Nicky Henderson, arrives on the back of a commanding Ascot success and looks to have the ideal profile for this test. An improving six-year-old, the step up to three miles looks tailor-made and he is very much one to keep on side in what is shaping up to be a top-class renewal.
The Jukebox Man, trained by Ben Pauling, adds further depth to the race. Winner of the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at this meeting 12 months ago, he made a pleasing return when scoring at Haydock and is reportedly thriving at home. Owned by former football manager Harry Redknapp, he brings an added layer of interest. “To win a King George would be a dream, but I know how hard it is going to be,” Redknapp said.
Over at Leopardstown, the focus turns to the Racing Post Novice Chase (Grade 1). Romeo Coolio, trained by Gordon Elliott, looks set to be a popular runner following his impressive victory in the Grade 1 Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse. Although dropping back slightly in trip, he still appears well placed to play a major role, with Westport Cove and recent Cheltenham winner July Flower likely to provide the stiffest opposition.
The Grade 2 Changing Times Brewery Juvenile Hurdle also looks a quality contest. Elliott again holds a strong hand with Barbizon, who made a taking impression on his hurdling debut at Navan. Formerly rated 94 on the Flat when trained by John Murphy, he has already attracted plenty of attention with March in mind.
Ben Hur, a recent Fairyhouse winner, gives Noel Meade a solid contender, while Narciso Has, trained by Willie Mullins, is entitled to come on from his narrow defeat on his first start in Ireland.
One Last Tango, trained by Eoin Griffin, is an interesting outsider to keep an eye on. A course winner and rated 127 over hurdles, he has yet to fully recapture that level since switching to fences but finds himself well treated near the foot of the handicap. An improved performance would not be a shock.
PK’s Watchlist
Kempton (2.30) — Jango Baie
Leopardstown (1.10) — Barbizon
Leopardstown (2.20) — Romeo Coolio
Kempton (1.55) — Sir Gino
Leopardstown (2.55) — One Last Tango (outsider to note)
PK Has His Say is an opinion-based racing column for general interest and entertainment. All views expressed are the personal opinion of the writer and are not intended as betting advice. Gambling involves risk and readers should only ever stake what they can afford to lose.
