Who will take home the spoils on Boxing Day?
Presents opened, and you don’t want to see any more turkey until December 2021. Sit back, relax and enjoy some Boxing Day racing with the main course being the King George VI Chase at 15:00.
Previous winners include the likes of Kauto Star and Desert Orchid, further underlining that this race is one for the biggest names in National Hunt racing.
Nine are due to go to post and are led in the market by Cyrname and Clan Des Obeaux. Cyrname beat Altior in a hard run race at Ascot in November 2019, and the lasting effects appeared to impact the rest of his season. A disappointing performance in this race last year followed and raised question marks over his ability to stay the trip. However, a comfortable victory over three miles at Wetherby in October may have put those doubts to rest.
Last years winner, Clan Des Obeaux, is arguably not suited by Cheltenham’s undulations (finished eighth in the Gold Cup) and returned to action in November with a creditable second behind track specialist Bristol De Mai at Haydock. He is expected to go close again.
Lostintranslation never really travelled in last year’s renewal yet finished a creditable third in the Gold Cup on his next run. His season return didn’t light up the world (finishing in a distant third place, 47 lengths behind Bristol De Mai and Clan Des Obeaux) but heavy ground didn’t suit him as he was unable to retain the race he had won 12 months previously.
Real Steel travelled like a dream coming into the home straight of the Gold Cup and despite being third coming over the last he finished seven lengths behind winner Al Boum Photo in sixth. Now with Paul Nicholls, and an Ascot run in November under his belt, he may have a live outside chance on another flat track.
Elsewhere, Santini (supplemented this week) was touted a Gold Cup horse last year after good performances at Sandown and Cheltenham – but has since frustrated punters; especially when 13/8 favourite last time out. However, trainer Nicky Henderson knows the horse inside out and punters will take interest in his late entry.
But our money is with Cyrname – last season’s highest rated chaser may just have had the stuffing knocked out of him against Altior; there is no doubting he is a better horse than he showed in the race last year and three miles round Kempton, with a better preparation, may just be perfect for this very talented horse.
2pt win Cyrname @ 7/4 >>
1pt E/W Reel Steel @ 35/2 >>
See here for more Horse Racing Tips.
*Odds correct at time of writing but may be subject to change. Final runners to be confirmed.
18+ begambleaware.org
