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2024 King George VI Chase tips: 'He can breeze around this tighter track' - why this horse can win at Kempton on Boxing Day
A selection of our tipsters have provided their selection for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day . . .
Banbridge
By Harry Wilson
Banbridge strikes me as having that perfect blend of speed and stamina required to win a King George, and arrives at Kempton off the back of a fine effort in the Hilly Way Chase two weeks ago.
The eight-year-old pulled clear of the field with returning dual Champion Chase winner Energumene and may have beaten that rival had he not unseated his jockey when that one jumped across him at the last. It was a fantastic effort considering he was conceding 10lb to the winner.
Winner of the Grade 1 Champion Chase at Punchestown in April, Banbridge landed the 2m4½f Silviniaco Conti Chase – his fifth victory at about two-and-a-half miles – on his sole visit to Kempton, where he was strong at the finish, and could have untapped potential over this trip.
He is ground-dependent, though, with his best performances coming on a better surface, but there doesn't look to be a lot of rain forecast in the build-up.
By Richard Birch
Everything appears right for Banbridge.
A dual Grade 1 winner who boasts winning form at Kempton, he looks capable of producing a career best under ideal conditions following his excellent effort against six-time Grade 1 scorer Energumene at Cork.
The outcome of that Grade 2 was in the balance when Banbridge unseated his rider at the final fence, and Joseph O'Brien's runner is highly likely to be even more effective over 3m.
A horse needs a combination of pace and class to win a King George, and Banbridge fits the bill.
With negatives against several of those towards the head of the market, Banbridge makes considerable appeal.
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Grey Dawning
By Graeme Rodway
Made for this test at Kempton, a track where he won over hurdles, and ran a huge race when second to Royale Pagaille in the Betfair Chase at Haydock.
Royale Pagaille is a seriously good horse around Haydock, having recorded five wins and a second from six starts at the track, including a couple of Grade 2 handicaps off top weight and two Betfair Chases. However, Grey Dawning travelled all over him for much of the straight and Royale Pagaille looked a plodder.
Grey Dawning would surely have won but for a mistake at the last, which knocked the stuffing out of him and took away the little energy he had left, but there was no disgrace in that on such testing conditions. Provided that hasn't left a mark, he can breeze around this tighter track and put his rivals to the sword.
By Liam Headd
It's no secret the Gold Cup at Cheltenham has been the target for Grey Dawning, but the King George is a huge opportunity for the Dan Skelton team to stake their claim in this staying chase division.
The seven-year-old came close to winning the Betfair Chase last month and if it wasn't for his mistake he would've been in with a shout. Obviously, conditions didn't play to his strengths, but Grey Dawning stuck on well and did not lose anything in defeat. He was beaten by a horse with a phenomenal track record, and he jumped and travelled superbly until the final fence.
This is a perfect test for Grey Dawning and he can come out on top.
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Il Est Francais
By Matt Rennie
It isn't my usual MO to back a horse after they were pulled up last time. I'm making an exception with Il Est Francais.
The French star is hugely talented on his A-game, but an enigma with multiple issues, prone to throw in some incredibly disappointing performances.
That was the case when pulled up in the Prix La Haye Jousselin last month, but on every occasion he has been soundly beaten he has won impressively next time out.
We cannot forget how impressive he was in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase over the track and trip last year, with a magnificent jumping display in a race that was quicker on the clock than the King George.
This track suits him to a tee and Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm have had this as a target for a long time. If he gets let loose on the front, he'll be incredibly hard to peg back.
L'Homme Presse
By Scott Burton
Sightings have been rare enough of a horse who could lay claim to being the most talented staying chaser in Britain, but Venetia Williams has brought him back from injury on more than one occasion and, with the defection of Ahoy Senor, he tops the official ratings for the race.
He ran a mighty race when we last saw him in the Gold Cup and, while he lacked the staying power of Galopin Des Champs over the last quarter mile, a repeat of that effort would require a career-best from one of his rivals to deny him.
If Charlie Deutsch can find a nice rhythm in a race which looks sure to be run at a decent clip, he is surely the double-figure candidate with the best chance of upsetting those at the head of the market, all of which have a question or two to answer as well.
Spillane's Tower
By Justin O'Hanlon
Not an original selection, but everything about this horse suggests he can go right to the top as a chaser.
His progression as a novice was stark, culminating in Grade 1 successes over 2m4f at Fairyhouse and 3m1f at Punchestown in the spring.
He may have surpassed that with his performance in the John Durkan at Punchestown, when ring rust was probably more of a factor than anything else in his narrow defeat by Fact To File. That was confirmed by his trainer Jimmy Mangan saying it was his first time on grass since May.
Any trip from 2m4f to 3m1f suits, but the good ground would be a slight concern.
By Jonny Pearson
He is one of the most progressive horses in the field and the fact that he has been supplemented for the race is a big positive. He is at his best going right-handed and the course at Kempton should suit.
His performance on reappearance in the John Durkan last time was up there with the best chase form we have seen this season and I’d expect him to improve for that run, along with a step up in trip to 3m here.
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