Only one place to start for UK racing this Christmas and that’s at Kempton on Boxing Day (Sun 26th December) for the William Hill King George VI Chase, a Class 1 race over 3 miles. Desert Orchid, the magnificent grey, always comes to mind when this race is mentioned, so let’s hope the race lives up to all expectations. Again Kauto Star takes his place, and after putting Long Run in his place last time, he’s the one to beat. He has won this race before, so the trip and ground is no concern and Paul Nicholls says he expects a very big run. He has even been on record as saying he will come on for last time’s run, so all should be very exciting to watch. Long Run again lines up and will also be better than last time, so although he has to be, it all makes for a very interesting race. Master Minded, Captain Chris and Somersby also line up, so they will be trying their hardest to pull off a surprise. The race is due to start at 3.10pm, so nothing better to wash down that Boxing Day meal with. Another 5 races are on the agenda for Kempton and the Christmas Hurdle at 2.35 takes the eye. It’s over 2 miles and it should give plenty of pointers for the Cheltenham Festival in March. Binocular, Rock On Ruby and Overturn should have the race between them, but picking the winner from those three is no easy task. Paul Nicholls, Nicky Henderson and Donald McCain are all upbeat about their chances, so could be a race to watch and enjoy, rather than gamble and wonder ‘what if’. If putting a gun to my head, then Rock On Ruby would be the choice. Channel 4 and Racing UK are screening the racing live from Kempton, so no reason to miss it. Kempton is a right-handed, sharpish, flat track, which ensures a touch of class is always needed to get a win. Down Royal (jumps), Fontwell (jumps), Ffos Las (jumps), Huntingdon (jumps), Leopardstown (jumps), Limerick (jumps), Market Rasen (jumps), Towcester (jumps), Wincanton (jumps) and Wetherby (jumps) make up an action packed Boxing Day in the UK for race fans.
Tuesday 27th December sees many heading to Wales and Chepstow, and they should enjoy a competitive 7 race card. The feature race is the Coral Welsh National at 2.10pm and with the going predicted to be on the soft side, it will be a total slog over 3 miles and 5 furlongs. All the top yards have entries and punters will be keeping an eye on the low weighted horses with the soft going forecast. Taking the eye with a low weight is Any Currency with 10st 3lb to carry. He likes the soft ground, stays well enough and has shown he can jump well, so at around the 20/1 mark, he would be worth a small each way bet in what appears a very open race. What ever the result, it is always a good spectacle and so well worth tuning in to watch on BBC2 or At The Races. Kempton (jumps), Limerick (jumps), Leopardstown (jumps), Southwell (AW flat) and Wetherby (jumps) make up the rest of Tuesday’s action.
