'He has a lot of things you need in a King George horse' - Galopin Des Champs' nemesis Fastorslow to be aimed at Kempton

The horse who has beaten Galopin Des Champs three times is being aimed at the King George VI Chase after Martin Brassil revealed he is keen to have a crack at the Christmas showpiece with his stable star Fastorslow. 

The eight-year-old was last seen winning the Punchestown Gold Cup in May, when he once again beat dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs. He lowered his colours in the same race in 2023 and also beat the highest-rated jumps horse in training in last season's John Durkan Chase. 

That Grade 1 at Punchestown on November 24 is where Fastorslow will reappear with a view to tackling the King George a month later. 

Brassil said: "The plan is for Fastorslow to start back in the John Durkan. That's the way we did things last year and we'll do the same this year. After that, we would like to give the King George a shot. 

"It's a great race and I think the race would suit him. He's a great jumper and a strong traveller, so he has a lot of things you need in a King George horse."

Fastorslow (left): being aimed a the King GeorgeCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Fastorslow has an official rating of 171 and has won three times over fences since joining Brassil, all in Grade 1 company.

He was still travelling sweetly and seemed to be in his comfort zone when JJ Slevin was unseated at the 16th fence in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, but dusted himself off to finish the campaign on a high at Punchestown. 

Brassil reports Fastorslow to have summered particularly well and is looking forward to the season ahead. 

He said: "He's been back in training a while now and has done seven weeks of steady cantering. He summered great and looks as strong as he ever did. 

"There is over a month between the John Durkan and the King George, so it's a nice break in between the two races and all going well he will be able to take in both this season."

Last year Hewick became only the second Irish-trained winner of the King George since Kicking King in 2005. Shark Hanlon's popular chaser swooped late under Gavin Sheehan after the ill-fated Shishkin stumbled and unshipped Nico de Boinville at the second-last. Before that, Tornado Flyer was the only Irish winner for almost two decades. 

Fastorslow is 5-1 joint-favourite with sponsors Ladbrokes alongside French contender Il Est Francais, who was so impressive when winning the Kauto Star Novices' Chase on the card last year. 

You can still get 8-1 with bet365 about Fastorslow landing the Kempton feature, while he is 6-1 with Paddy Power. 

King George VI Chase (Kempton, December 26)
Ladbrokes: 5 Fastorslow, Il Est Francais, 11-2 Fact to File, 8 Gaelic Warrior, 10 Galopin Des Champs, Gerri Colombe, 12 Grey Dawning, Hewick, Jonbon, Protektorat, 14 bar

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