Kempton Ladbrokes King George VI Chase

Kempton turf track 26th December 2025, Ladbrokes King George VI Chase (Grade 1) (Gbb Race) (G1) 14.30 UK Time

Gaelic Warrior is trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend.
This seven-year-old has been in excellent recent form, winning his last three starts including two Grade 1 contests.
He beat Fact To File by a neck at Punchestown most recently.
He has shown strong ability on good to soft ground with a win from two attempts.
He performs well on right-handed tracks similar to Kempton, with two wins from two runs.
His class is proven at the highest level with six Grade 1 victories.
Fitness appears spot on after recent successes.

Fact To File is also trained by Willie Mullins, with Mark Walsh in the saddle.
He has high-class form, including four Grade 1 wins.
Most recently, he finished a close second to Gaelic Warrior at Punchestown.
He has a perfect record on good to soft going, winning his only start.
He has some experience on right-handed tracks, with one win from three attempts.
There is a suspicion he may prefer a shorter trip than three miles, but he remains a leading contender.
His experience in top races is solid, and he looks fit.

Jango Baie is trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Nico de Boinville.
This horse won the Arkle over two miles despite the trip, showing smart form.
He could improve stepping up to three miles for the first time.
He has two wins from four runs on good to soft ground.
No specific form at Kempton, but he has recent winning form at Ascot by nine lengths.
His class includes a Grade 1 success, and he seems in good condition.

The Jukebox Man is trained by Ben Pauling with Ben Jones riding.
He won a Grade 1 novice chase over course and distance last year by two and a half lengths.
Most recently, he scored at Haydock.
He excels on good to soft going, with two wins from two attempts.
He has form at Kempton, including that notable victory.
This improving type has bundles of potential at this level.
Fitness is good following his latest win.

Djelo is trained by Venetia Williams and ridden by Charlie Deutsch.
This progressive seven-year-old has won his last two starts, both Grade 2 contests under penalties.
He took Huntingdon by four and three-quarter lengths and Wetherby by a length.
He has three wins from seven runs on good to soft ground.
He shows ability on right-handed tracks, with two wins from three.
Yet to win a Grade 1 but improving and fit.

Banbridge is trained by Joseph O’Brien with Sean Bowen aboard.
He won this race last year by one and three-quarter lengths, proving his affinity for Kempton.
However, his form this season has been disappointing, with finishes of fourth, fourth, and seventh.
He has three wins from five on good to soft going.
His course record is strong, with a win from three attempts here.
A visor is applied today to spark improvement.
Class proven but recent fitness questioned by poor runs.

Il Est Francais is trained by Tom George and ridden by Harry Cobden.
His form has been inconsistent, pulling up at Ascot most recently.
Prior to that, third in a Grade 1.
No wins on good to soft from one attempt, preferring firmer.
He has a strong Kempton record, including a win and a second from two runs.
Worth considering due to track suitability despite recent issues.
Class includes Grade 1 success, but fitness uncertain after pull-up.

Master Chewy is trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies with Sam Twiston-Davies riding.
He has two Grade 2 wins over two miles.
Most recently, second at Aintree.
His record on good to soft is two wins from nine.
He has a win from one at Kempton.
Three miles may suit, but he needs a career-best effort.
Experience at high level but moderate in Grade 1s.

Simulation Results:

The percentage chances are: Gaelic Warrior 40.9%, Fact To File 26.62%, Djelo 10%, Jango Baie 8.35%, Banbridge 7.39%, The Jukebox Man 4.04%, Il Est Francais 1.74%, Master Chewy 0.96%.

Equivalent fractional odds from percentages: Gaelic Warrior 13/9, Fact To File 11/4, Djelo 9/1, Jango Baie 11/1, Banbridge 25/2, The Jukebox Man 24/1, Il Est Francais 56/1, Master Chewy 100/1.

The best bet is Gaelic Warrior.

The two value selections are Gaelic Warrior and Djelo, as their live betting odds are higher than the calculated fair odds.

There are no steamer bets, as no horses meet the criteria of early prices higher than live by at least 4 points.

Trends for last 12 years:

Gaelic Warrior meets 11 of the trends.

Fact To File meets 9 of the trends.

Djelo meets 8 of the trends.

Il Est Francais meets 8 of the trends.

Banbridge meets 8 of the trends.

The Jukebox Man meets 7 of the trends.

Jango Baie meets 6 of the trends.

Master Chewy meets 2 of the trends.

In order of preference based on the number of trends matched: Gaelic Warrior, Fact To File, Djelo, Il Est Francais, Banbridge, The Jukebox Man, Jango Baie, Master Chewy.

Kempton Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle

Kempton turf track 26th December 2025, Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) (Gbb Race) (G1) 13.55 UK Time

Sir Gino is trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Nico de Boinville.
This six-year-old is an exciting prospect who remains unbeaten under rules.
Most recently, he won a Grade 2 novice chase at Kempton by seven and a half lengths on good to soft ground.
Prior to that, he scored in a Grade 1 hurdle at Newcastle by eight lengths on good ground.
He has a perfect record on good to soft going, with two wins from two attempts.
He has strong form at Kempton, including that recent chase success and an earlier hurdle win here by 14 lengths.
His class is top-notch, with multiple Grade 1 victories.
Fitness might be a question after an injury layoff, but he looks the one to beat.

Golden Ace is trained by Jeremy Scott and ridden by Lorcan Williams.
This seven-year-old mare upset the odds when winning a Grade 1 hurdle at Newcastle by a length and a half most recently on good to soft ground.
Before that, she was second by 28 lengths at Wetherby on good ground.
She has performed well on good to soft going, with two wins from three attempts.
No previous runs at Kempton, but she has handled right-handed tracks like Cheltenham, where she won a Grade 1 by nine lengths.
Her class includes Champion Hurdle success, and she appears fit after recent outings.

Celtic Dino is trained by Sam Thomas and ridden by Dylan Johnston.
This six-year-old has progressive form, finishing second by two and a half lengths at Ascot most recently in a Grade 2 on good to soft ground.
He won his previous start at Chepstow by two and a quarter lengths on good ground.
He acts on good to soft going, with one place from two attempts.
He has form at Kempton, finishing third by 13 lengths in a Grade 2 here.
His experience in handicaps is solid, and fitness is good following recent runs.

Rubaud is trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Harry Cobden.
This seven-year-old has been in fine form, winning his last two starts at Wincanton by a neck and at Kempton by a length, both on good ground.
He has chase experience from last season, including a Grade 2 win at Kempton.
He performs well on good to soft going, with one win from two attempts.
Strong course record at Kempton, with two wins from three runs.
His class is proven at Grade 2 level, and he looks fit.

Tripoli Flyer is trained by Fergal O’Brien and ridden by Jonathan Burke.
This six-year-old has mixed recent form, finishing fourth by 19 and a half lengths at Exeter most recently on good to soft ground.
He unseated at Perth before that.
He has a win at Kempton from last season in a Grade 2 novice hurdle by seven and a half lengths on good to soft.
He excels on good to soft going, with one win from two attempts.
Course form is positive with that victory.
Fitness may improve, but class needs to step up.

Give It To Me Oj is trained by Gary and Josh Moore and ridden by Caoilin Quinn.
This six-year-old finished fifth by 18 and a half lengths at Newbury most recently in a Grade 3 handicap on soft ground.
He won his previous hurdle start at Cheltenham by a neck on good ground.
He has one win from two on soft going, untested specifically on good to soft.
No form at Kempton, but he has won on right-handed tracks like Sandown.
His experience includes handicap wins, but this is tougher.
Fitness is reasonable after recent efforts.

Simulation Results:

The percentage chances are: Sir Gino 61%, Golden Ace 21%, Rubaud 9%, Celtic Dino 6%, Tripoli Flyer 1.6%, Give It To Me Oj 1.4%.

Equivalent fractional odds from percentages: Sir Gino 8/13, Golden Ace 15/4, Rubaud 10/1, Celtic Dino 31/2, Tripoli Flyer 122/3, Give It To Me Oj 70/1.

The best bet is Sir Gino.

The two value selections are Golden Ace and Rubaud, as their live betting odds are higher than the calculated fair odds.

Steamer bets are Sir Gino and Celtic Dino.

Trends for the last 12 years.

Golden Ace meets 15 of the trends.

Rubaud meets 14 of the trends.

Sir Gino meets 11 of the trends.

Celtic Dino meets 8 of the trends.

Tripoli Flyer meets 8 of the trends.

Give It To Me Oj meets 6 of the trends.

In order of preference based on the number of trends matched: Golden Ace, Rubaud, Sir Gino, Celtic Dino, Tripoli Flyer, Give It To Me Oj.

Kauto Star Novices’ Chase Grade 1

Kempton turf track 26th December 2025, Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices’ Chase (In Memory Of Nigel Clark) (Grade 1) (Gbb Race) (G1) 13.20 UK Time

Salver is trained by Gary and Josh Moore and ridden by Caoilin Quinn.
This six-year-old finished a close second by a head to Blueking d’Oroux at Sandown most recently on 5th December in a Grade 2 novices’ chase over three miles on soft ground.
He has shown strong form with four hurdle wins and a chase success from two miles to three miles.
He performs best on good to soft to heavy going, with multiple wins on similar conditions.
He has no previous runs at Kempton but has excelled on right-handed tracks like Sandown.
His current handicap rating reflects his progressive profile.
Fitness is excellent following his recent outing.
Experience includes high-class hurdle form, and he handles the class well.

Kitzbuhel is trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend.
This horse won his most recent start on 22nd November at Punchestown in a beginners’ chase over two miles three furlongs on soft to heavy ground.
He has solid hurdle form, including a third in a Grade 2 and fifth in a Grade 1.
He acts on good ground but showed improvement on heavier conditions last time.
No form at Kempton or similar UK tracks.
His handicap rating suggests room for improvement.
Fitness appears good after his November success.
Experience is limited over fences, but his class from hurdles makes him interesting.

Blueking d’Oroux is trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Harry Cobden.
This horse won his latest race on 5th December at Sandown in a Grade 2 novices’ chase over three miles, beating Salver by a head on soft ground.
Prior to that, he had a poor run at Fontwell but won at Wincanton in November in another Grade 2 over two and a half miles.
He thrives on soft going, with wins on similar.
He has form on right-handed tracks like Sandown, which is comparable to Kempton.
His handicap rating is high at 150.
Fitness is sharp after recent victories.
Experience at this level is proven, and he handles the class.

Wendigo is trained by Jamie Snowden and ridden by Gavin Sheehan.
This horse scored on his most recent outing on 28th November at Newbury in a Grade 2 novices’ chase over two miles four furlongs on good to soft ground.
Previously, he finished fifth in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Cheltenham.
He performs well on good to soft going, as shown in his latest win.
He has form on right-handed tracks like Newbury, similar to Kempton.
His handicap rating is 143.
Fitness is solid following his November run.
Experience over fences is building, with class from hurdles.

Crest Of Fortune is trained by Anthony Honeyball and ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies.
This horse ran in the Grade 2 at Newbury on 28th November, finishing behind Wendigo over two miles four furlongs on good to soft ground.
He has a win from earlier in the year at Ayr in a novice hurdle.
He acts on good to soft going.
No specific form at Kempton, but he has handled left-handed tracks.
His handicap rating is lower at 125.
Fitness is reasonable after recent efforts.
Experience at graded level is limited, but he shows some potential.

Thomas Mor is trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White and ridden by Ben Jones.
This horse won his latest start on 21st November at Ascot in a Class 2 beginners’ chase over two miles five furlongs on good to soft ground.
Previously, he was fourth in a novice handicap chase at Doncaster in January.
He performs well on good to soft going.
He has form on right-handed tracks like Ascot, comparable to Kempton.
His handicap rating is 142.
Fitness is good after his November victory.
Experience over fences includes a win, with solid class.

Simulation Results:

The percentage chances are: Salver 36%, Blueking d’Oroux 32%, Wendigo 18%, Kitzbuhel 10%, Crest Of Fortune 2%, Thomas Mor 2%.

Equivalent fractional odds from percentages: Salver 16/9, Blueking d’Oroux 17/8, Wendigo 41/9, Kitzbuhel 9/1, Crest Of Fortune 49/1, Thomas Mor 49/1.

The best bet is Salver.

The two value selections are Salver and Blueking d’Oroux, as their live betting odds are higher than the calculated fair odds.

There are no steamer bets, as no horses meet the criteria of early prices higher than live by at least 4 points.

Trends base don last 12 years:

Salver meets 12 of the trends.

Wendigo meets 11 of the trends.

Blueking d’Oroux meets 10 of the trends.

Kitzbuhel meets 9 of the trends.

Crest Of Fortune meets 6 of the trends.

Thomas Mor meets 6 of the trends.

In order of preference based on the number of trends matched: Salver, Wendigo, Blueking d’Oroux, Kitzbuhel, Crest Of Fortune, Thomas Mor.

Howden Long Walk Hurdle Grade 1

Howden Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1) (Gbb Race) (G1) 15.00 UK Time

Strong Leader arrives in peak condition following a narrow second to Impose Toi at Newbury last month on soft ground over two and a half miles.

That effort marked a clear step forward in his development, showcasing his ability to stay on strongly in a battle against high-class rivals.

He handles good to soft well, with prior successes on similar surfaces confirming his adaptability to today’s conditions at Ascot.

Though untested around this sharp track, his class and recent fitness suggest he can handle the three-mile trip effectively for the first time.

Impose Toi enters this contest on the back of a gutsy victory over the same opponent at Newbury, grinding out a half-length success on soft ground.

His progression this season has been marked by two wins from three starts, highlighting improved stamina and resolve under pressure.

Good to soft will suit based on his handling of softer conditions lately, and his experience in graded company adds to his credentials.

Nicky Henderson’s charge remains unproven at Ascot, but his current form points to a horse thriving at this level.

Honesty Policy brings an exciting profile as a lightly raced six-year-old with four wins from his last five outings, most recently a fine second in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Punchestown on yielding ground earlier this year.

That performance underlines his raw potential and battling qualities, and while the break since April raises a minor query on sharpness, Gordon Elliott’s runners typically return in good order.

He has shown promise on good ground, so today’s good to soft should pose no issues, though this will test his staying power over three miles for the first time.

Potters Charm showed plenty of promise when third over nineteen furlongs here at Ascot three weeks ago on good to soft, staying on well after a minor mistake.

Prior to that, a fall at Cheltenham interrupted his progress, but his unexposed nature over staying trips makes him intriguing.

He acts well on this course, having won impressively at two miles here last season, and the ground conditions align with his best efforts.

Recent evidence suggests he is building fitness nicely for this stiffer examination.

Crambo holds a strong historical edge, having claimed this prize in both 2023 and 2024, demonstrating his affinity for Ascot’s unique layout and the three-mile distance.

However, his form has dipped markedly this autumn, with two laboured efforts culminating in a distant eighth over course and shorter ground last month.

While good to soft has suited him in the past, including his victories here, current fitness levels appear a concern, and he may need the race to sharpen up.

Jet Blue arrives from France off the back of a solid second in a Grade 1 at Auteuil earlier this month on heavy ground, where he travelled well before being outstayed.

That run confirms his class, but adapting to British hurdles and quicker ground could prove challenging, despite prior exposure to softer conditions.

Unraced in the UK since last season, his fitness seems assured, yet the step up in trip to three miles remains a question mark.

Colonel Mustard has hit a purple patch with back-to-back wins, the latest a comfortable success at Navan on soft to heavy ground over two miles.

Those victories highlight renewed enthusiasm from this veteran, but his lack of experience beyond two and a half miles introduces doubt in this deeper field.

He copes with testing conditions, so good to soft should be fine, though his jumping can be deliberate, potentially an issue on a sharp track like Ascot.

Beauport ran a creditable fourth in a strong staying handicap at Cheltenham last month on soft over three miles, showing he retains ability as a chaser dropping back to hurdles.

He placed third in this race twelve months ago on good to soft, proving course suitability, but the rise in class here will demand more.

Fitness is not in question after that solid reappearance, yet his best form tends to come on softer than today’s surface.

Doddiethegreat has been a model of consistency this season, filling the frame in three Grade 2 contests, including a staying-on fourth behind Impose Toi at Newbury on soft last time.

That run augurs well for this longer trip, where his grinding style could pay dividends.

He handles good to soft competently, and while lacking course experience, his current level of fitness and reliability make him a safe each-way option.

Altobelli endured a tough reintroduction when fifth over course and distance here three weeks ago on good to soft, weakening quickly after racing prominently.

That followed a lengthy absence, and while he has won on similar ground previously, his stamina at three miles has been found wanting in the past.

Fitness may improve for the run, but he faces a steep task against this opposition.

Gwennie May Boy made a disappointing stable debut when tailed off at Ascot last month on good to soft, offering little encouragement.

Prior to that, his form was patchy, and he appears outclassed in this Grade 1 company, with ground unlikely to be the excuse.

Simulation Results:

Strong Leader 21.8% (equivalent to 7/2), Impose Toi 20.0% (4/1), Honesty Policy 18.2% (9/2), Potters Charm 12.0% (7/1), Jet Blue 7.1% (13/1), Doddiethegreat 6.0% (15/1), Colonel Mustard 5.2% (18/1), Beauport 4.0% (25/1), Crambo 2.9% (33/1), Altobelli 2.0% (50/1), Gwennie May Boy 0.9% (100/1).

Best bet Strong Leader, whose recent battling qualities and upward trajectory edge him ahead in a wide-open renewal.

Value selections are Strong Leader at 11/2 and Doddiethegreat at 20/1, both offering appeal where market prices exceed fair value derived from the simulation.

Potters Charm qualifies as the steamer bet, having shortened significantly from 8/1 early to 11/2 live while ranking prominently in projected chances.

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