3m Ladbrokes King George VI Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)
An excellent betting heat this year with no clear favourite and good ground, which really helps narrow the field. I can’t have Grey Dawning who had a brutal race in the Betfair Chase and tends to jump left under pressure. L’Homme Presse is also a leftie, Corbetts Cross jumps too slow and Bravemansgame has looked regressive. Il Est Francais is the hardest to rule out as he’s the epitome of a Kempton horse but was pulled up in his prep after bursting blood vessels – that recent tendency to throw in a stinker makes him hard to back. SPILLANE’S TOWER looks a worthy favourite after his narrow second in a red hot John Durkan, along with his two Grade 1 novice chase wins. The form is rock solid and he’s the coming force in the division. He is usually ridden quietly which might not suit Kempton but he’s a really strong traveler and a sound jumper with pace, so he has all the tools keep up with the leaders and pounce late. Similar comments apply to BANBRIDGE who I’ve been waiting years to back in a Grade 1 staying chase. He gets his ideal conditions and is a magnificent jumper with a long stride who has already won round Kempton at shorter trips. He won’t have any issue lying up with these as he’s a Grade 1 winner at the minimum trip and looked in fine fettle when last seen giving Energumene 10lb at Cork. I’ve never really doubted his stamina for a race like this and can’t wait to see him try.
1.5pts win Spillane’s Tower @10/3, 1pt win Banbridge @5/1, 14:30 Kempton, Thursday
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