A week until the big race at Kempton on Boxing day and the field is starting to take shape. It looks like barring injuries that it is going to be a hotly contested race. I think the following will line up: Thistlecrack Bristol De Mai Might Bite Fox Norton Disko Whisper Double Shuffle Tea for Two Not sure however about these: Ar Mad Gods Own Trafic Fluide The following wont be lineing up: Road to Respect and Outlander - Leopardstown bound Sizing John Cue Card Top Notch Djakadam Douvan Politologue I can see a maximum field of say 9/10 runners. I don't see much rain in the forecast for the next 7 days so I just cant be having Bristol De Mai. Trainer makes comparisons to Imperial Commander and he never ran well in the King George and this will be a totally different test. I am not sure Fox Norton will stay as you still have to stay the trip especially as they are likely to go a pretty good clip. This could be between Might Bite and Thistlecrack if back to his best. As an outsider I quite like the look of Tea for Two who loves it round Kempton and has 3 wins from 4. In last years race was too keen and started off behind the others - something you can't afford to do at this level. Maybe his outing around the bog at Haydock would have taken the fizz out of him a bit. Will be interesting to see how he runs if he lines up... Anyone got any early views on this potential festive cracker?
Cant wait for this race, looks a cracker! Might Bite i like a lot as he has put money in my pocket, exciting he is too but at 6/4 im willing to take him on. BDM again love the horse as he has pocketed me money as well but right handed on firmer ground, im not strong on him. Thistlecrack, well last year i was sitting Lanzarote and his performance was awesome and i think he can get back to near that level after his pipe opener albeit it is thought of being a disappointing one. I will back Whisper, had a good bet on him in the Henessy but got caught with the weight giving away. Obviously value through his line with the jolly.
Line up: Thistlecrack Bristol De Mai Might Bite Fox Norton Disko Whisper Double Shuffle Tea for Two Traffic fluide Outlander
Currently good to soft, soft in places http://www.turftrax.co.uk/going_maps.html The forecast is for plenty of cloud but little precipitation. General good-soft with maybe some good patches I would say come boxing day, unless things change weather-wise.
Have already backed a few of the intended runners in the King George VI Chase at fruity ante post prices for the Cheltenham Gold Cup so only a viewing brief for this punter. Very interested in adding Fox Norton to my scattergun wagers in the Festival highlight. If he ran in the first three with Thistlecrack nowhere would he be switched from the Ryanair to the Gold Cup is the puzzle facing me. Is 40/1 (1/4 the odds each way) worth a few quid I ask myself?
Damn. I had Djakadam lined up for this on a better surface. Now I'm not sure with question marks over most of the fancied horses. Might Bite should win this now but at the odds I could be tempted by the 7/1 Fox Norton. Not been a fan of this horse but seems to be rising to the top. If he is going to win a G1 over 3 miles there isn't a better place than Kempton on goodish ground (Sizing John made the transition on soft). Tizzard also has Thistlecrack in the race and if back to his very best could easily win this; BUT, although it would be great to see him win, can he possibly be back to his best? I have some concern about horses that have done tendons and it's not long since his uninspiring comeback run. At the end of the day, which is better, a 6/4 winner or a 7/1 chancer who might rise to the occasion? I think it's 4 points on Might Bite at 6/4 and a one point on Fox Norton at 7/1, just in case
For me it is between these 4 Thistlecrack - will travel then empty Bristol De Mai - will win Might Bite - will make jumping errors Fox Norton - won't stay Ladbrokes go 4/1 Bristol de Mai, that will look huge come Tuesday evening.
I can see Might Bite winning this but I can't back him at the odds. The one that interests me is Disko and whether he will be up to this level. I saw Outlander was unlikely to be making the trip. I can't have Bristol De Mai at all. i dont think he ll finish in the first 3. Tea for two has previouly won the Kauto Star Novices chase and is 3 wins from 4 runs at the track and loves it there. Got it wrong last year but could easily run a much better race this time. I think very dangerous to discount him.
I'm with Oddy. I think Bristol is vastly underrated. I'm on in a big way. My previous posts ( not many) will underline this. I think He;s the best chaser we will see for the next 3 years. GET ON!
He may well be a good'un Mick but his last run only told us that he goes exceptionally well in heavy ground and the opposition that day couldn't handle it. On a sounder surface he has been well beaten. So I'm left wondering whether (a) he needs it soft or softer or (b) he is a very improved chaser since beaten 25l by Tea For Two at levels in April and 19¾l by Sizing John (levels) in March and 9¼l by Native River (levels) in Feb. I hope for your sake it's the latter
He clearly excels with plenty of cut but I think he has come back a serious horse this season and does not need it bottomless as some are saying. I think Daryl Jacob will set out to make it a strong test and he will have plenty at it by the 4th last (for me often the decisive fence in the King George).
Looking at the race there's no horses that I have a particular attachment to and at the prices I think I'll be taking a chance on Disko @ 12s.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad new again but Disko is out of the race https://www.racingpost.com/news/new...orge-as-meade-eyes-lepoardstown-target/313150
Travelling down to Kempton on Boxing Day. Should be a great day and a great race looking forward to it. I think might bite will win and have a feeling fox norton will run a big race
30th Birthday present from my Fiancée May need to go to Cheltenham Gold cup now to see Sizing John in the flesh.
