Harry Cobden reveals King George tactics change for Bravemansgame after scoring on sole ride

Harry Cobden geared up for a huge Boxing Day with a winner on his only ride as Go West landed the 2m4f maiden hurdle for Paul Nicholls.

The Owners Group's six-year-old powered 12 lengths clear of favourite Miss Cynthia as he made significant progress from a fifth-place finish on his return from a 21-month layoff at Plumpton three weeks ago. 

Cobden has had a quiet week, returning from an injury at Ascot only on Friday, and this was his second winner since then.

"He was entitled to be a bit fresh last time but he travelled well, jumped great and never really saw a rival all the way round," Cobden said. "He's a nice horse and he'll keep improving. It's a good bit of placing by the boss to send him here."

Cobden is excited about his return to Kempton on Bravemansgame, who won the King George in 2022 and finished second to Hewick last year.

Bravemansgame: won the King George in 2022 and was second last yearCredit: Alan Crowhurst / Getty Images

He said: "I'm going to ride him positively. We won't change things massively but I might be slightly more aggressive. The French horse [Il Est Francais] will ensure that we go a right good gallop and I've just got to be sharp over the first few fences. 

"If I'm sat in the first two with a bit of daylight I'll be happy. Hopefully he can get into a nice rhythm."

Cobden is also booked to ride Greatwood winner Burdett Road in the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle against Lossiemouth and Constitution Hill.

One for course specialist

Lucy Wadham has had more winners at Fakenham in the last five seasons than any other trainer and she continued her fine record when Samourai One outmuscled Fern Hill to win the 3m5f handicap chase by a short head.

Ladbrokes King George VI Chase (2.30 Kempton, December 26)

Ladbrokes: 3 Grey Dawning, 4 Spillane’s Tower, 9-2 Il Est Francais, 11-2 Banbridge, 8 Envoi Allen, 10 Corbetts Cross, 12 Hewick, 14 L’Homme Presse, 16 Juntos Ganamos, 20 The Real Whacker, 25 Bravemansgame, 100 Ahoy Senor, General En Chef,

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