THE HOLLOW GINGE
Tuned-up Obeaux may be Boxing Day party pooper YESTERDAY‘S RESULTS & PRICES
REMEMBER when all the pre-race talk for the Gold Cup was Kauto Star v Denman and Imperial Commander spoilt the party? Expect the same during Boxing Day’s festive feast of action.
Cyrname and Lostintranslation are fancied to fight it out, but don’t forget about last year’s winner.
Turning for home in this 12 months ago, Paul Nicholls’ sevenyear-old came back on the bridle to challenge the leader Thistlecrack.
It is likely to be a similar scenario this time around, with the trainer’s talented Cyrname expected to be at the head of affairs.
This is Kempton though, not Ascot, where he has become an allconquering National Hunt hero.
Lostintranslation looks a Gold Cup winner in waiting, but the selection can have too much toe this time.
Another big race can go the way of the Ditcheat maestro, crowned 11-time champion trainer at the end of last season.
This seven-year-old is a typically gritty staying chaser, perfect for the Chepstow marathon, at a course he loves. A strong galloper, Truckers Lodge has been aimed at this race for some time, warming up for it at the track almost two months ago.
Forget the turkey, the tastiest dish over Christmas could be served up at Leopardstown. The favourite to wrest the two-mile title from Altior, should he stick to the minimum distance, Chacun Pour Soi has impressed on two starts for Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci.
What was most impressive was how he defeated Defi Du Seuil with authority at Punchestown.
Make sure to snap up the 4-1 on offer for the Champion Chase before post-time, as he will become the new clear market leader if cruising in here.
Ruby Walsh’s 59th and final Festival winner bids to get back on track and cement his claims for the Champion Hurdle.
Klassical Dream seemed to be outdone by a sprint finish last time, but is much better than that.
The picture for the first championship for the Cheltenahm Festival can become much clearer after this.
Nigel Twiston-Davies’ chaser can come good on his first start in a race of this nature.
The trainer has had some excellent staying chasers over the years, including Grand National heroes Earth Summit and Bindaree.
The fellow is much less further along in his progression, but this type of contest should bring out two of his best qualities — stamina and toughness.
He seems best attacking from off the pace, and can soldier on for owners The Ginge Army.