The big race on Boxing Day, the King George, has an interesting look to it with Long Run, whose two best performances have come in this race, Riverside Theatre and Grands Crus all set to take part, but it could be worth chancing the Colin Tizzard-trained Cue Card following his impressive return in the Haldon Gold Cup. The six-year-old was the only horse to get close to Sprinter Sacre last season, when finishing second in the Arkle, and his pedigree offers some hope that he will stay three miles with his dam, Wicked Crack, a useful hurdler and chaser at up to that distance. Cue Card is still unexposed and may improve further, so gets the vote in what is a fascinating renewal of this Grade 1.
We could be in for a SmartPlays first here, with our next two selections both set to run at the same time; first we will deal with Saint Roque, in the 15:45 at Kempton. Things didn't go to plan for the six-year-old at Cheltenham last time, as he was going well when brought down two out and looking the most likely winner, but he gets the chance to make amends here. He reportedly had a breathing operation in the summer and competes here in a tongue-tie for this first time, which is slight worry, but that aside he looks a big player for trainer Paul Nicholls and gains our support.
Hopefully Wolverhampton delay their own 15:45 by five minutes or so, as it would be good if we could watch Royal Sea emerge victorious. Recent winners Lord of the Dance and Count Ceprano make obvious appeal but Royal Sea, a three-year-old trained by David O'Meara, is unexposed and looks one to keep on side on just his second start in handicaps. He ran his best race yet at this venue, on his all-weather debut, earlier this month despite seemingly still having something to learn, not settling fully but keeping on inside the final furlong. The suspicion is that he has better to come, and can get off the mark today.
Timeform SmartPlays
Back Cue Card @ 7.06/1 in the 15:10 at Kempton
Back Saint Roque @ 4.67/2 in the 15:45 at Kempton
Back Royal Sea @ 6.05/1 in the 15:45 at Wolverhampton
