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.
