Sean Bowen to miss King George to ride prospect he 'thinks the world of' in Grade 1 at Aintree on Boxing Day

Olly Murphy and Sean Bowen will look to capitalise on a brilliant spell with a wealth of talent being aimed at races over the Christmas period, including Grade 1 contender Strong Leader and a top prospect who has drawn the championship-chasing jockey away from the King George fixture.

Bowen will head to Aintree rather than Kempton on December 26 to take the ride on Junker D'Allier in the Grade 1 William Hill Formby Novices' Hurdle. He has been aboard for the five-year-old's two easy victories this season and has been impressed by the talent displayed by the six-figure purchase.

There are seven jumps fixtures for Bowen to choose from as he searches for winners in his quest to be named champion jockey for the first time, but Murphy will also have Westerninthepark as a leading contender to look forward to on Merseyside.