Cyrname Boxing clever
Nicholls banking on charger for more King George VI joy
CYRNAME heads Paul Nicholls’ bid for an amazing 11th win in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
The gelding has come from nowhere to become Jump racing’s new superstar and easily ended Altior’s 19-race unbeaten run at Ascot last month.
Harry Cobden will be in the saddle as the strong-traveller tackles three miles for the first time in the historic Grade 1.
Nicholls also fields last year’s winner Clan Des Obeaux who will be primed for his title defence after a good second at Down Royal.
The biggest threat to Team Ditcheat comes from Colin Tizzard’s Lostintranslation.
The seven-year-old has made rapid headway and routed the top-class Bristol De Mai in the Betfair Chase at Haydock last time. The Dorset handler also has
Thistlecrack, the 2015 King George hero who has been running with credit over timber.
The potential dark horse in the race appears to be Willie Mullins’ Footpad.
The 2018 Arkle hero could relish tackling three miles after bouncing back in devastating style over 2m 6f at Thurles. Warren Greatrex’s La Bague
Au Roi would have a chance with a return to the form that saw her land a Grade 1 here last year. Aso is unproven over three miles but he loves soft ground and could run into a place for Venetia Williams.
Nicholls is also clearly keen to win the Kauto Star Novices’
Chase as he fields impressive debut winners Danny
Whizbang and Master Tommytucker.
Tizzard also targets this Grade 1 and has a massive shout with
Slate House who did it nicely over three miles at Huntingdon.
Tom George’s Black Op won’t be far away after a blinder against rising star Champ in a hot Newbury Grade 2.
Verdana Blue will make a bold defence of her crown in the Christmas Hurdle.
Nicky Henderson’s mare will have to overcome a 239-day lay-off if she is to follow up last year’s defeat of Buveur D’Air in the Grade 1.
Henderson has been more bullish about the chances of
Fusil Raffles, one of last season’s top two-mile novices.
Epatante is another leading Seven Barrows raider after hacking up in the Gerry Fielden at Newbury on his return. Ch’tibello, Getway Trump and Silver Streak also have to be respected in a warm renewal of the big two-miler.
Grade 1 winners Laurina and Fakir Doudairies take on the underrated Notebook in the Racing Post Novices’ Chase at Leopardstown.
Samcro could try to atone for his Punchestown fall in the Grade 1 Matchbook Novices’ Chase at Limerick.
However, the seven-year-old could face Faugheen who oozed class on his belated fencing bow at Punchestown last month.
There’s no doubting the star of the show at Kempton on Friday as Altior tries to get back on track in the Desert Orchid Chase.
Nicky Henderson’s superstar was forced to miss a rematch with Cyrname in the King George but can resume winning ways over two miles.
The big betting race of the day is the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow. Elegant Escape has to defy a welter-burden if he is to retain his title for Team Tizzard in the 3m 5f showpiece.
Paul Nicholls also has a powerful hand with the nicely unexposed Truckers’ Lodge and proven mudlark Yala Enki.