WILLIAM HILL KING GEORGE VI CHASE GRADE 1 (CLASS 1) (4yo+)
3m All carry 11-10FSF (Form and Speed ratings) in old
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156
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2213-2
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Long Run
N Henderson
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7
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Winner of the 2010 renewal (run in January 2011) and followed up in the Gold Cup. He has not quite run to that form subsequently; nevertheless, he is still up there with the best around. We know he stays and this season’s renewal looks sure to be run at a good pace. FSF ratings display he improved from his seasonal reappearance 11lb in 2010 and 8lb in 2011. Long Run consistently bangs out top-class speed figures and there is a chance he has peaked earlier than is normal for national hunt horses. Course and distance form reads 1, 2, 1 and it is hard to see him not being involved at the business end. I feel it is important for Long Run to get into a steady and consistent rhythm. His jumping problems surface where there is a sudden surge in the pace. Likely to race just off the pace, it may be prudent to kick for home, coming out of the back straight.
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155
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121-11
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Sizing Europe
H De Bromhead
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10
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Running as well as ever this season but yet to prove he truly stays three-miles. The race is normally run at a good pace suggesting stamina will come to the fore in the home straight. |
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154
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1211-4
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Finian´s Rainbow
N Henderson
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9
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Disappointed at Ascot and has it to do following that display. Question marks over his stamina and possibly at his best in the spring. |
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153
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U212-1
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Cue Card
C Tizzard
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6
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Not seen since bolting up at Exeter in early November. Stays two and a half-miles, while breeding suggests he should stay three-miles. His form with Bobs worth and Sprinter Sacre cannot be faulted and he fully deserves his FSF figure. However, his enthusiastic style of racing may see him struggle to see the distance out in this grade. |
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152
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1/11P-
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Riverside Theatre
N Henderson
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8
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Won the 2012 Ryanair Chase and second in the 2010 renewal of this race. Goes well fresh and enjoys the track. However, he is in my opinion another with question marks over his stamina. Although he finishes strongly over two and half and two and three-quarter-miles, thee latter stages of a strongly run three-miles may find him out. |
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152
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2142-3
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The Giant Bolster
D Bridgewater
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7
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Claims on 2012 Gold Cup and Betfair Chase form. He is unlikely to run on a track that will not play to his strengths.
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149
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2/123-
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Albertas Run
J O’Neill
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11
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Goes well fresh and is consistent and game. His very best form has come over shorter trips, disappointing in this race on two occasions following his second in 2008.
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147
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1343-1
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Al Ferof
P Nicholls
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7
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Improved through his novice season before the wheels came off at Cheltenham and Aintree. Returned to his best when taking the Paddy Power Cup in November. Finished tired on that occasion having travelled well through the race. Stamina is a question mark on the dam’s side though sire gets plenty of staying chasers. Jumps well and has shown he handles flat right-handed tracks. |
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147
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U3P4-1
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Captain Chris
P Hobbs
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8
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Returned to something like his best at Ascot and enjoys going right-handed. Failed to see the trip out last season and I see no reason why he should this time round. |
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146
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1114-P
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Grands Crus
D Pipe
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7
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Breathing problems have halted this promising horse’s progress. If he returns in good form from corrective surgery, his chance would be respected. |
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144 |
213-12 |
For Non Stop N Williams
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7
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Bolted up at Aintree before finding Captain Chris too good for him at Ascot. Best when fresh and needs to prove he can stay three-miles. |
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143 |
1113-P |
Hunt Ball K Burke
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7
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Found out in a higher grade at Aintree and something to prove after a disappointing return to action in November. |
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142
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27F7-1
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Kauto Stone
P Nicholls
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6
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Displayed he stays three-miles when winning at Down Royal in November. Goes well right-handed and when fresh. If the breathing operation, he had over the summer, continues to work, he is one that could surprise. |
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142
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3122-2
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Champion Court
M Keighley
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7
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Likeable sort and progressive. One would think he would be better off in a slightly lower grade, over a slightly shorter trip. |
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140
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11P2-1
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Cristal Bonus
P Nicholls
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6
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Goes well right-handed and won easily at Down Royal in November. Yet to prove he stays three-miles and breeding does not suggest he will |
Please visit Graham Richard’s site at www.grahamrichardsonline.co.uk or follow him @gronline.
