The final month of the year, from a punting point of view, is in my book all about two big betting races; the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase on Boxing Day and the Coral Welsh Grand National Handicap Chase at day later at Chepstow.
Having landed the Kempton Park spectacular on an amazing 13 occasions, Paul Nicholls could be set to land an unprecedented 14th success with the classy Bravemansgame, who only gave best close home when his fitness became an issue in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.
As per usual his jumping was fluent and efficient that day at the A1 track and he moved up menacingly between the second last and last fences before blowing up approaching the final fence. His current best price of 2/1 probably reflects his real chance and he should now be at the peak of his powers, aged eight, going on nine. Regular readers will know that I normally try and oppose a favourite with a double-digit, each-way alternative, but I am finding it hard to unearth a viable alternative. In fact, this year’s renewal doesn’t appear to have an awful lot of strength in depth to it.
Shishkin looks the logical danger when you consider that it has taken Nicky Henderson a while to find his optimum set-up and this could be it. Of course, the Betfair Chase (November 25) will tell us more, but I won’t have that piece of evidence at my behest before my copy goes to print.
Esta historia es de la edición December 2023 de Racing Ahead.
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Esta historia es de la edición December 2023 de Racing Ahead.
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Tragedy Hits Racing Family - Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters
Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters. I will be far from alone in recent days in being overcome by emotions ranging from utter disbelief to revulsion upon hearing of the unspeakable acts perpetrated upon John Hunt's family, resulting in the death of his wife Carol and daughters, Hannah and Louise.
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John Anthony reveals the latest top speedsters after another Glorious Goodwood
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Graham Buddry pays fresh tribute to track legend Sea The Stars - surely one of the greatest ever
IT'S TIME TO TAKE STOCK
Paul Jacobs looks forward to seeing some big on-track questions answered
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lan Heitman flies about to keep pace with a rush of two-year-old Flat action
WINNING JOY ON A BUDGET
Richard Eagle takes a trip to Windsor to check out peoples' route into the port of kings
GIFT HORSES AND FRENCH LESSONS
Robert Cooper finds 'retirement' is keeping him busy
FEUD GETS THE PARTY ROLLING
Karl Hedley savours the Galway Festival action and picks out the summer highlights at Ballybrit
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Simon Nott reveals his recent experiences from trips to Brighton and Ascot
FLYING EVE'S BORN TO WIN
Nick Townsend talks to in-form trainer Eve Johnson Houghton