Nicholls pair McFabulous and Gelino Bello clash - but does Skelton hold the ace?

Monday: 1.20 Kempton
Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices' Chase (In Memory Of Nigel Clark) | Grade 1 | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

Had the Long Walk been rearranged for this card 12 months ago, McFabulous and Thyme Hill would quite possibly have met in it. Thyme Hill was twice second in the Long Walk at Ascot, while McFabulous is unbeaten in two runs at Kempton – both in races that had been rescheduled from elsewhere.

It is a little surprising they clashed just once over hurdles, in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in 2020 which Thyme Hill won with McFabulous in third. More pertinent is their recent meeting at the same track four weeks ago over fences, when McFabulous's jumping was much more convincing as he swept to victory.

The cheekpieces that Thyme Hill wears for the first time are therefore probably not for application, something he has never lacked, but to embolden him at the fences. In case it needs underlining, Kempton is not really the sort of place for a chaser to learn on the job.

The expectation is McFabulous's main threat will come from his own yard. Gelino Bello is a chaser on looks and, after landing a Grade 1 novice hurdle in the spring, has moved seamlessly into his new career. But he has only beaten three rivals in total and one of those unseated at the start, so this will be a completely different test.

Although Dan Skelton's Ballygrifincottage was the only entry not declared for the Kauto Star, the trainer may yet hold a strong hand in a race he won two years ago with Shan Blue. Galia Des Liteaux has only a sex-restricted Listed race at Bangor to her name over fences, but in context it is much stronger than many similar races.

Runner-up Miah Grace has since won a handicap chase against geldings off a mark of 130. To make her look a mug, as Galia Des Liteaux undoubtedly did given she did not come off the bridle, clearly demands a performance well into the 140s on ratings. Throw in a generous 7lb mares' allowance and all of a sudden Skelton's ostensible understudy holds a puncher's chance against far more celebrated rivals.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

'A very decent renewal to do Nigel proud'

The prelude to the Christmas Hurdle is run, as usual, in memory of Nigel Clark who was a big figure at Kempton in the early years of this century until his death in 2007.

Clark was a prolific fundraiser and was for a long time chairman of the Sunbury course and was president at the time of his death. A member of the Jockey Club and a force behind the introduction of Sunday racing, Clark was instrumental in the Flat track at Kempton switching to an all-weather facility in 2006.

There is a Nigel Clark suite in the owners and trainers facility at the track which no doubt will be overflowing on Kempton's biggest day of the year.

Clerk of the course Barney Clifford said: “We’ve staged the three-mile novice chase in memory of Nigel every year since his death. He was chairman at Kempton for a long time and did a lot for the course and was a big jump racing man. The Boxing Day fixture was his favourite of the year. His family have historically come along to the race and it looks like we have a very decent renewal to do him proud."

What they say

Dan Skelton, trainer of Galia Des Liteaux
She won very well on her chasing debut at Bangor over just over two miles but that would be her minimum trip and we expect her to improve for the extra distance. She’ll enjoy the ease in the ground and looks a player.

Galia Des Liteaux: was a dominant winner on her chase debutCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Paul Nicholls, trainer of McFabulous and Gelino Bello
McFabulous is in good nick. He has good experience over fences, and likes Kempton. He won’t mind easier ground – he just doesn’t like a bog on a stiff track. Gelino Bello isn’t an easy horse to place. He’s only run twice over fences, and won two- and three-runner races. He needs more experience for the spring, but is a good horse and could run well.

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of Mortlach
He's never let us down, he's in good form and there's a bit of prize-money about so we'll try and get some.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Thyme Hill
He’s sharpened up his jumping in cheekpieces at home so we’re going with them. He’s been jumping carefully in these small fields so hopefully they will help him improve.
Reporting by David Milnes

Big-race previews:

12.45 Kempton: Champ v Paisley Park again: who comes out on top in a match of familiar foes?

1.10 Leopardstown: Triumph favourite Lossiemouth set for true test - but Paul Townend is unsure

1.35 Wetherby: 'We hope he's still a Gold Cup horse' - Rowland Meyrick insight and key quotes

1.55 Kempton: Henderson on Constitution Hill: 'I'm buzzed up - but also desperately nervous'

2.20 Leopardstown: 'This has been the plan' - can classy Fil Dor bolster Arkle claims for Elliott?

2.30 Kempton: 'We haven't seen the best of him yet' - key trainer quotes for the King George

2.40 Limerick: 'He's done everything right' - Elliott and Mullins duel in Faugheen Novice Chase

Download the new Racing Post app here to read exclusive content from the biggest names. There are brilliant betting masterclasses from Tom Segal, Paul Kealy and David Jennings, Q&As with pro punters, trainers and jockeys, plus much more. Download the new app now to access all of this unrivalled content.