Christmas Racing Guide: The King George, Welsh National and more

Editor
22 December 2017

Is Might Bite unstoppable in the King George?

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Betfair Sportsbook trader Niall O'Reilly provides an expert guide to betting across the festive period ...

"Kempton should be everyone's main focus, although it's definitely worth keeping an eye on some of the smaller meetings. Sophie Leech looks to have two interesting entries at Market Rasen on the day in Soieauvage and Windshear, with the latter particularly interesting."

Will anyone live with Might Bite around Kempton in the King George?

The more I look at it, I honestly can't see him being beaten. The gallop he went in the RSA looked ferocious and no one could live with him for most of the way. The fact he could be a stone better horse around Kempton is terrifying for the opposition and makes me feel he'll be incredibly difficult to beat. Plenty of the opposition seem to have questions to answer for different reasons which only enforces my belief.

Might Bite entertains once again in the Betway Mildmay Novices' Chase pic.twitter.com/3Fm26N4J4P
? Racing UK (@Racing_UK) April 7, 2017

On a bumper Boxing/St Stephens Day (11 meetings) what should we keep an eye on?

Kempton should be everyone's main focus, although it's definitely worth keeping an eye on some of the smaller meetings, with trainers tending to line one up to pay for Christmas! Sophie Leech looks to have two interesting entries at Market Rasen on the day in Soieauvage and Windshear, with the latter being particularly interesting. If there was cash for either I would advise following it in

Who will emerge victorious in the Welsh National?

I have a bit of an affinity towards Final Nudge who I've been following for a while and I think he'll run a big race. He was cantering when coming down four out in the Midlands National last year and he also ran a massive race in the Badger Ales on his comeback, travelling like the best horse for much of the way before just failing to reel in Present Man.

The Welsh National Trip and likely heavy ground on the day should bring about the best in him and he still looks a fair price at 12/1. One small concern is that he's also entered in the Rowland Meyrick on Boxing Day though I'd be surprised if the Welsh National wasn't the plan.

What a performance from Present Man (8-1) who battles bravely to beat Final Nudge in the Badger Ales Trophy Handicap Chase. pic.twitter.com/qqLuuiyUeW
? Wincanton Racecourse (@wincantonraces) 11 November 2017

Formally the Lexus, how do you see the Leopardstown Christmas Chase panning out?

Sizing John looks the solid option while I also think Disko will run a big race. Though that said, I can't get away from Yorkhill who I've backed for the Gold Cup. It may not be ideal that he's having his first run of the season though he's won impressively on reappearance in each of the last three seasons and I'd be surprised if Willie Mullins would leave him lacking for fitness in such a prestigious race.

That race is one of seven Grade 1's during the week at Leopardstown. With Faugheen and Douvan expected to run, give us a brief overview.

I think you can expect to see some impressive performances from the likes of Min, Faugheen and Footpad, albeit at short odds. Apples Jade's participation in the Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle makes that one a race to look forward to while the novice hurdles look set to be hotly contested races.

She's done it again - Apple's Jade wins the @BarOneRacing Hatton's Grace Hurdle! @Fairyhouse pic.twitter.com/lIezn4GX8G
? At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 3, 2017