3:10 Kempton Park
WILLIAM HILL KING GEORGE VI CHASE (Grade 1) (CLASS 1) (4yo+)
Distance: Three-Miles
Going: Good To Soft
FSF = Unique Form and Speed Rating
FSF |
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SILVINIACO CONTI |
170 |
Hard to argue with his position at the head of the market. Silviniaco Conti tops FSF’s, (Form & Speed Ratings) stays this trip, won the race last season and followed up with the Betfair Chase (Travelled kindly in first time cheek-pieces) this November. His four highest RPR’s have come on soft ground though he won the Betfred Bowl on good ground. It is worth noting; the second failed to stay, while the fourth and fifth were well below form. If the ground stays as it is on Christmas Eve, he might prove vulnerable to a rival with a turn of foot. |
DYNASTE |
167 |
Consistent chaser at this level and landed the Ryanair for connections in March. Despite excellent efforts at this distance, he has been found wanting at Grade One level three-times. Twice in the Betfair Chase, once in the Aintree Bowl. His run in this race last season is forgiven as he returned home with an injury. Wears first time cheek-pieces. |
MENORAH |
167 |
This fellow has bounced back to his best. A comfortable success in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby preceded an excellent effort in the Betfair Chase. On ground that would have not have helped, he arrived at the third from home full of run. However, he eventually had to concede to the greater staying power of the winner. Menorah has a good record at this course, holding every chance of going close if current ground underhoof remains as predicted. |
AL FEROF |
165 |
Repeated his previous 2013 Ascot success when returned there in November. Goes well fresh, handles right-handed tracks, and effective on likely ground underhoof. Bred out of a stout stayer, there are doubts for this trip on the dams’ side. Third in the race last year on heavy ground, he failed to see out the distance. |
CUE CARD |
164 |
Jumped for fun in the race last season until emptying out approaching the last fence. The ground will help this time round, though recent runs raise concerns. Despite protestations from connections of recent good work on the gallops, RPR’s indicate he needs to improve 10/11lb on 2014 form. |
WISHFULL THINKING |
161 |
Loves flat tracks and back to his best this season. However, as with several others, his stamina is unproven. Goes right-handed, handles current ground conditions. |
CHAMPAGNE FEVER |
158 |
Champagne Fever returned to action with a comfortable success over two and a half-miles in a Grade Two Chase at Clonmel. Whilst he is bred to stay, one wonders if his running style and natural exuberance, can be harnessed to see out the trip. In addition, his FSF shows the amount of improvement needed if the higher rated horses run to their best. Has won going right-handed, will handle the ground, and previously won on a flat track. (Leopardstown). |
WONDERFUL CHARM |
157 |
Profile suggests he is happiest on a flat track and effective right-handed. Yet to prove he truly stays three-miles; breeding suggests it may prove beyond him. |
DOUBLE ROSS |
154 |
Ran well at Wetherby when third to Menorah over three-miles. Either side of that he has failed to complete. Has won at right-handed Perth, though his best RPR’s have come at Cheltenham. Races enthusiastically and yet to prove conclusively he will stay three-miles in this grade. |
JOHNS SPIRIT |
152 |
Likeable horse that needs to prove he can stay three-miles and display a similar level of form away from Cheltenham. He has won right-handed, will enjoy current ground conditions, and has the ability to travel within himself off the pace. Sire has three-mile winners on his C.V, though stamina doubts for this distance arise via his dam. |