Big guns stand their ground for King George cracker

Banbridge and Il Est Francais, last year’s first and second, along with market leaders Gaelic Warrior and Jango Baie, are among the 15 contenders to stand their ground for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

Il Est Francais looked to have the race in safe-keeping 12 months ago when leading his rivals a merry dance, but his stride was shortening by the time he got in close to the last and Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge flew fast and late to claim the spoils.

Neither horse has been in the best form since, though, with Il Est Francais now based with Tom George in Gloucestershire for a change of scenery, although he disappointed on his comeback at Ascot, while Banbridge has failed to win again but did run well for a long way over an inadequate trip at Cork on Sunday.

Gaelic Warrior heads the betting having come out on top in a thrilling battle with his Willie Mullins-trained stablemate Fact To File in the John Durkan Memorial at Punchestown. Fact To File remains a possible to make the journey along with Grangeclare West for Closutton.

Jango Baie won last season’s Arkle over two miles in dramatic circumstances, having only run in the race as a replacement for Sir Gino. Nearly all his racing has been over trips in excess of two miles and he looked very good over two-five at Ascot on his reappearance, threatening to be even better over three.

The Harry Redknapp-owned The Jukebox Man, a winner at the meeting last year as a novice for Ben Pauling, won on his return to action at Haydock and is also prominent in the ante-post market.

Another serious player looks to be Venetia Williams’ Djelo, who has won the Charlie Hall and the Peterborough Chase this season.

His jockey Charlie Deutsch told Sky Sports Racing: “I’ve had plenty of goes on him now and he is what he is, he’s quite a hot head! The minute you get on him in the paddock he starts spinning round.

“He doesn’t give fences any air, he’s quick over them and very measured – he’s just a lovely horse.

“I’m not certain what his best trip is, he’s run over three miles twice now and and it’s just nice that he can do both. We’ll learn more as I think he’s going to the King George now, why not? It’s probably a good way of finding out what trip he wants.”

Martin Brassil’s multiple Grade One winner Fastorslow remains in the hunt, Gordon Elliott has left in Croke Park and Firefox, with Henry de Bromhead boosting the Irish challenge through Heart Wood.

The unknown quantity is Kolokico, trained in France by Emmanuel Clayeux.