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King George Looks A Cracker

December 7th, 2015 | Marten's Current Racing Diary

I am busy at the moment working to meet the Saturday evening deadline for the Winter Bulletin Book.

I have just finished updating the Dark Horses section and hope later to make a start on the preview of the King George VI Chase.

This promises to be one of the most competitive renewals of recent years. It will take something special to match the class of five-times winner Kauto Star, or before him the likes of Best Mate, One Man and Desert Orchid – who won the race on four occasions.

However the betting suggests that connections intend to pay the supplementary fee for Coneygree, while Vautour, Don Cossack and Cue Card also have strong claims. Latest news appears to indicate that Don Poli and Djakadam may have alternative targets in Ireland. Alan King seems to be favouring a race at Cheltenham for Smad Place, although a late change of plan would not surprise me. The problem for him would be Coneygree, as both horses like to dominate.

It’s been a relatively slow start for Willie Mullins’ team this season. There were signs that all might not have been well a couple of months ago, but things picked up at Punchestown on Sunday with the victories of Yorkhill, Djakadam and Pont Alexandre. The last-named already looks a likely market leader for the RSA Chase – if he can be kept sound.

I will update you with my progress in a few days.

Bye for now

Marten