'He deserves to be favourite' - King George hope Bravemansgame pleasing Nicholls

Paul Nicholls' leading Ladbrokes King George hopes Bravemansgame and Hitman could not be separated in a recent warm-up on the gallops for their Kempton showdown on Boxing Day, and Britain's champion trainer has no interest in "ducking and diving" as he bids to land the festive highlight for a 13th time.

The spotlight has been on jump racing's biggest stars avoiding each other in recent weeks, but Nicholls' competitive streak persists and former winner Frodon will complete a strong hand for the Ditcheat trainer in the Grade 1 a week on Sunday.

Nicholls believes the market has it right and makes 6-4 favourite Bravemansgame his number-one choice, with stable jockey Harry Cobden taking the ride.

Cobden's decision has led to Sam Twiston-Davies being called upon once again at Kempton. He will partner Hitman for the first time, looking to repeat his victory on Clan Des Obeaux in 2019 for the same connections, which includes Sir Alex Ferguson.

The rivalry between former Nicholls stablemates Kauto Star and Denman is among the sport's highlights since the turn of the century, and the 13-time champion trainer is excited to pit Bravemansgame and Hitman against each other, as well as throwing the ever-popular Frodon into the mix.

Frodon clears the last on his way to victory in the Badger Beer Chase at Wincanton in NovemberCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Nicholls, speaking at a media day organised by the Jockey Club, said: "They'll all be trained to run to their very best on the day, nobody gets favouritism and they'll all run on their merits. We've been there before with Kauto Star and Denman, they never took each other on until the Gold Cup, but this is the obvious race for them.

"It's nice to have horses to run at that level and we can't be having any ducking and diving. You've got to run them, I'd be delighted if any of them win. We're very happy with the three we've got. I'd say Bravemansgame probably deserves, just about, to be favourite. He won at this track last year and seems progressive."

He added: "I had Hitman and Bravemansgame canter upsides on Wednesday and there was nothing between them, but you never really test them at home. Home work doesn't tell you who's the best anyway, it's about what happens on the track."

Victory for Bravemansgame would lead to Nicholls aiming him at the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The seven-year-old has yet to win at Cheltenham – he was a withdrawal at last season's festival due to the ground – but, after disappointing in the Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree in April, he reaffirmed himself as one of Britain's top chasers with an easy win in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on his return in October.

Bravemansgame is as big as 25-1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but the King George been his long-term target for more than a year.

Nicholls said: "He looks fantastic and is in really good shape. We've had a great preparation with him.

"I'd say he was ready to run but not fully wound up for the Charlie Hall – he travelled and jumped well and won nicely. He'll be ready for next week – we've done a lot with him and he looks fantastic.

"He's gone through his novice races, won his first race outside of novice company this season, and now he's in the big boy's league. This is the biggest race there is over Christmas, but I think he's well ready for it.

"We're learning about him all the time. If, and if is a big word in racing, he was to win the King George next week then we'd go straight to the Gold Cup. He's good fresh so our challenge would be to get him in the form of his life for that."

Hitman and Harry Cobden on their way to victory at Haydock last monthCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Hitman, the 7-2 general third-favourite, will be stepping to three miles for the first time, but his trainer believes the extra distance could unlock further improvement from the 160-rated six-year-old.

"Clan Des Obeaux won the King George for the first time as a six-year-old rated 160," said Nicholls. "I think three miles will bring out plenty of improvement in him. He's maturing and I don't think we've seen the best of him yet. He'll give Sam a fantastic ride."

Nicholls is "very confident" that Bryony Frost will be fit to ride Frodon after breaking her collarbone in a fall at Bangor last month. She was aboard Frodon for his memorable King George victory in 2020, and guided him to a 19th success last month when successful on his seasonal comeback in the Badger Beer Chase at Wincanton.

Nicholls, who admits he ran Frodon "too quickly" after Wincanton when the ten-year-old finished third in the Betfair Chase two weeks later, added: "Going right-handed on good ground suits him. He's had a good gap between his races since Haydock, and he never stops surprising us.

"Whether he's got the legs of the younger horses is debatable, but he'll be thereabouts."

Ladbrokes King George VI Chase (Kempton, December 26)

Sponsors: 6-4 Bravemansgame, 3 Hitman, 100-30 L'Homme Presse, 6 Envoi Allen, 10 Noble Yeats, 12 Protektorat, 14 Frodon, 20 bar.

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