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MIGHT BITE (3.05) should find the King George VI Chase panning out perfectly at Kempton, with the flat track playing to his strengths.
He has a tremendous cruising speed and will have most of his rivals off the bridle some way from home.
The rising star of the chasing division, Might Bite goes well at the track, having scored at Kempton over hurdles, and he was a most unlucky loser at this meeting 12 months ago. Might Bite put in an exhibition round of jumping before hitting the deck after Daryl Jacob had fired him into the final obstacle with the race at his mercy.
Jacob was then replaced by Nico de Boinville and the new partnership remains unbeaten, including two victories over in-form stablemate Whisper.
Just to show how fickle this game can be, Jacob picked up the plum ride on Bristol De Mai and they sauntered to an incredible 57 lengths victory over Cue Card in last month's Betfair Chase at Haydock. That win gives him a shot at the Jockey Club's £1 million bonus for adding the King George and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Unless there is an unexpected deluge, underfoot conditions will be nowhere near as boggy at Kempton and although Bristol De Mai is top-rated by the official handicapper, he will struggle to match strides with the exuberant Might Bite on decent ground.
Last year's winner Thistlecrack has a bit to prove after a lacklustre fifth over hurdles behind Beer Goggles.
The 32Red Kauto Star Novices' Chase is a crackerjack and BALLYOPTIC (1.55) can bounce back to winning ways on this better surface.
After getting off to a flying start at Exeter, where he thumped Elegant Escape, Ballyoptic was pulled out just 11 days later by Nigel Twiston-Davies to run at Cheltenham where a bad mistake at the last handed the initiative to Black Corton.
That outing may have come a bit quick and the track was riding very testing.
Bookmakers have installed Mia’s Storm favourite, with Alan King’s Market Rasen winner receiving the 7lb mares’ allowance.
She thumped the boys at Chepstow, including Elegant Escape, before mopping up that Listed race at Market Rasen, another right-handed circuit. She prefers good ground.
Fountains Windfall may have been a shade unfortunate at Newbury when crumpling on landing three out. The finish was fought out by Elegant Escape and Black Corton and all three reoppose. Fountains Windfall was sent off 7-4 favourite that day at Newbury but is a much bigger price now.
Henderson saddles two runners in the 2m 4f novices chase and WENYERREADYFREDDIE (1.20) could well finish ahead of better-fancied stablemate Reigning Supreme.
Wenyourreadyfreddie developed into a smart hurdler last season, twice being placed to useful High Bridge and Brio Conti in two quality races at Doncaster.
The six-year-old had his first run in 254 days when fourth to Maria's Benefit at Sandown in November and it's interesting that Henderson is prepared to pitch him into the deep end for his chasing debut.
The big race at Wetherby, the 188Bet Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase, has attracted eight runners which gives it the perfect each-way shape.
WAKANDA (2.10) runs the track extremely well and split very useful pair Definitly Red and Blaklion in the race 12 months ago.
The eight-year-old runs off a 5lb lower mark and is preferred to Sue Smith’s other entrant, the Catterick winner Delusionofgrandeur.
Warren Greatrex has given Aloomomo two runs over hurdles this season and, consequently, his rating over fences has been protected.
Aloomomo fell over the larger obstacles at Cheltenham last December when well touted and Richard Johnson gets the leg up off 10st 7lb. He’s a big threat, but needs to put in a clear round.
Recommended bets
- Kempton 3.05 – Might Bite (11-8, Betfred, BetVictor)
- Kempton 1.55 – Ballyoptic (4-1, general)
- Kempton 1.20 – Wenyourreadyfreddie (8-1, general)
- Wetherby 2.10 – Wakanada (6-1, Ladbrokes)
I am tempted to go each way on Thistlecrack in the King George, especially if it stays as 8 runners. Such a fantastic horse though something was not right the last time he raced. You should bet with your head and not your heart but I will never forget how immense he was at Cheltenham!
You and Johnb!
Av always really fancied Might bite strongly but am waiting to see how much rain they get tomorrow it could be quite alot good to soft or soft would be fine but on heavy Bristol would defo be a huge danger.
Thistlecrack for me was being niggled leaving the backstraight last time out not a good sign for a horse with it’s cruising speed ended up well beat it’s so hard for a horse to come back from those sort of injuries back to top of the tree.
The way thistlecrack jumps takes a lot out of him.
Wastes too much energy with prodigious jumping.
Many clouds, god rest his soul, may have broken thistlecrack that fateful day and his seasonal debut suggested that by downing tools half a mile out in a hurdle race.
Also he is no youngster and maybe we have seen the best of him like uknowwhatimeanharry who also seems shot at top level.
To be honest it looks a most unexciting king George compared to past races.
Even without a monsoon I see Bristol de mai galloping them into submission with might bite if he doesn’t go wandering again 2nd and whisper 3rd.
I’ve always liked tea for two but may be outclassed, but has won 3 from 4 here I think so nay place at fancy odds.
Anyway merry Xmas racing people and may the festive season bring you and your loved ones much joy and happiness.
Lovely Might Bite mighty impressive you read the race perfect Alan ??