TThe balance of power in National Hunt racing has shifted mercilessly towards Ireland in general and Willie Mullins in particular in recent years Allaho (2.30) could underline that when he competes in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day for the second time in 20 months.
The racing world can move on quickly when a horse is on the sidelines and Mullins’ Galopin Des Champs, last season’s Gold Cup winner, has Allaho as the top-rated chaser in training since his last Grade 1 win in April 2022 outdated.
However, that success was a resounding 14-minute defeat to Clan Des Obeaux, a two-time winner of the King George, in the Punchestown Gold Cup over three miles, with a two-time Gold Cup winner, Al Boum Photo, back in third place. When compared to his front-runner performance against a strong field in the Ryanair Chase in March 2022, it is enough to make him the highest-rated runner in this year’s race, and just 1lb behind Galopin Des Champs – the favorite for the Savills Chase at Leopardstown Thursday – in the overall ranking.
Bravemansgame was an impressive winner 12 months ago and four of the six individual horses that won the race for Paul Nicholls’ stable landed at least one more. But he has not won in four successive starts and may have something to do with Allaho even at his best, while Shishkin, as capable as he is, has not looked quite the same since his epic defeat by Energumene at Ascot two seasons ago.
The up-and-coming The Real Whacker has much more room to progress than his rivals with just four runs over fences behind him and his front-running style is well suited to the challenge. He could well beat his odds of around 10/1, but whether he is prepared to close the gap on a horse of Allaho’s quality remains to be seen, and Paul Townend’s horse is a worthy favorite to extend his winning streak to six races.
Kempton 12.45 On his hunting debut Idalko Bihoue retired mid-race but appeared to have learned his lesson when he made a good start at Cheltenham in October and has more scope to progress than most of his rivals.
Aintree 1.05 A new name and a new home for the former Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown and an excellent field for the first running. Farren Glory is already a first class winner in Ireland July flower was less than three lengths behind the winner at Auteuil in November at the same level and receives a sex allowance of 7 pounds from her nine competitors.
Kempton 1.20 A first-time hurdler winner, Hermes Allen He could hardly have been more impressive in his Chase debut at Newbury earlier this month and should improve.
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quick start Guide
Greg Wood’s Boxing Day tips
Show
Sedgefield
11.45 Wild side of life 12.15 Imperial measure 12.50 Against Ordre 1.25 Escape fame 2.00 Heartbreaking child 2.35 Tom Creen 3.10 Northern role
Wetherby
11.52 Sweet Honey B 12.27 Aristobulus 1.00 Velasco 1.35 At full speed (nap) 2.10 Santos blue 2.45 Cornerstone boy 3.20 Coup de heart
Aintree
11.55 realization 12.30 p.m Riders in the storm 1.05 July flower 1.40 Bucksy Des Epeires 2.15 Some wiggle room 2.50 Heroes 3.25 Farland
Fontwell Park
11.57 Nashville Nippers 12.32 Of course high 1.07 Tea and chats 1.42 Clondaw Robin 2.17 Ellerton 2.52 Pilot show 3.27 Halondo
Market lawn
12.05 Shetland Tony 12.40 Macanogue 1.15 Benny Baloo 1.47 Jigginstown King 2.22 Tara brooch 2.57 animal 3.32 Decorated
Wincanton
12.18 That is what I said 12.53 Lily Luna 1.28 No hubs, no hoobs 2.03 King of the West 2.38 look at me 3.13 Lord Snootie 3.45 Yalla Habibi
Kempton Park
12.45 Idalko Bihoue (nb) 1.20 Hermes Allen 1.55 Constitution Hill 2.30 Allaho 3.05 Court in law 3.40 Classic gentleman
Wolverhampton
1.50 Hot front 2.25 Athletic Trainer 3.00 Written Transmission 3.35 Time Patrol 4.05 Intervention 4.35 King’s Code 5.05 Distinction 5.35 Percy Willis
Wetherby 1.35 Just 3 pounds under the mark, At full speed He did that last season and caught a break in the past.
Kempton 1.55 He missed his intended preparation, but it’s still hard to see anything other than another masterclass from the standout Constitution Hill.
