Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
MIGHT FRIGHT
Henderson: Bite must be his best to score in King George cracker
NICKY HENDERSON last night warned Might Bite must produce the performance of his life to retain his King George VI Chase crown at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Twelve months ago, the formerly quirky son of Scorpion came of age with a stirring defeat of 50-1 shot Double Shuffle in the Christmas highlight.
But Henderson is adamant the 2018 King George – featuring 2016 victor Thistlecrack, Cheltenham Gold Cup heroes Native River and Coneygree and Grade 1 winners Politologue, Bristol De Mai, Waiting Patiently and Tea For Two – is much tougher than last year’s version.
“The race is a lot stronger, by miles – by a long, long way,” the Seven Barrows trainer said yesterday. “It’s a very strong renewal.”
Might Bite, a best- priced 11-4 favourite to defend his title, trailed in last of five – behind Kempton rivals Bristol De Mai, Native River, Thistlecrack and Clan Des Obeaux – when making his return to action in the Betfair Chase at Haydock last month.
But Henderson is confident the jumping frailties that surfaced over the large Haydock obstacles have been ironed out in the runup to Boxing
Day.
“He was brilliant from the first day we went out there, he’s had three schools since and he’s been absolutely electric,” he added.
“I just think he got in a muddle that day. He never got into a rhythm at all, but it was never an issue – absolutely no problem at all.
“He looks fantastic. It wouldn’t be very good if he looked awful, but he couldn’t look any better than he does.
“He’s never looked better.”
Henderson (below), who revealed Altior will take in Thursday’s Grade 2 Desert Orchid Chase at the Sunbury track, put Might Bite through his paces on the Lambourn gallops yesterday morning, with Kempton Grade 1 fancies Buveur D’air, Verdana Blue and Santini. Dual Champion Hurdler Buveur D’air is a 1-4 hotpot to gain a repeat Christmas Hurdle success against four rivals, including stablemate Verdana Blue, while Santini, who made an impressive chasing debut at Newbury 23 days ago, is the 13-8 market leader for the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase.