Christmas festival: ten things to look for over jumps up to New Year's Day
Paul Nicholls is seeking a record-extending 13th win in the King George on Monday. Bravemansgame and Hitman are the main favourites. 2020 winner Frodon is not totally discounted. Harry Cobden won the race for the first time on Clan Des Obeaux in 2018. He finished second to Cyrname the following year. Twiston-Davies picked up the pieces aboard Clan in 2019 and will be hoping to do the same on Hitman.
ITV Racing Christmas Festival features six days of top-class action on the channel from 12 different tracks in Britain and Ireland between December 26 and January 1. Some 41 live races will be shown in all, including eight Grade 1s such as the King George VI Chase.
Constitution Hill is a best price 1-5 to win the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle on the King George undercard. The Champion HURDLE clues are likely to be gleaned from the Matheson Hursle at Leopardstown on December 29. State Man and Sharjah are the second and third favourites for the Champion Hurdle.
The Ladbrokes Long Walk Hurdle has been rescheduled from Ascot. Paisley Park and Champ will meet in the race. Goshen, who turns seven on January 1, tries three miles for the first time. Miranda is a talented mare who has won a career-best race over course and distance.
Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby is taking place on Monday. The 1980s had its heyday in the 1980's with Forgive ‘N Forget and The Thinker winning the race. This year's field is strong with Into Overdrive, Sounds Russian, Shan Blue, Chantry House, Sporting John and Kalashnikov among the contenders. Top Ville Ben returns.
The Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown is renamed in memory of Henry de Bred's son who died in pony racing accident in September. Bob Olinger is favourite to win the €150,000 race. Home By The Lee, Flooring Porter and Klassical Dream are also in the running.
The going at Chepstow is expected to be good to soft on Welsh National day on December 27th. The forecast is mainly dry up to the race. Musical Slave finished second to Hewick in bet365 Gold Cup in April.
It's a big day for Alan King's stable stable. Sceau Royal runs in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on December 26th. Edwardstone is engaged in Desert Orchid Chase at Barbury Castle the following day. King trained Voy Por Ustedes in 2006 and 2007. Spartan Army could be a winner at either Kepkon or Chepstow on the same day as Edward Stone.
Facile Vega is a 5-4 favourite for the Supreme at Cheltenham Festival. Constitution Hill is one of the other favourites. Facile has won at Fairyhouse and Marine Nationale won a maiden hurdle at Punchestown.
Hermes Allen is favourite for the Coral Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury on December 31. Nicholls could become the most successful trainer in the race”s history if Hermes Allen delivers a fifth win for him. The 2013 winner Captain Cutter returned the biggest price at 8-1.
The Skeltons enjoyed a successful season in November and early December. Shan Blue is heading the betting for the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Monday. Nube Negra takes on Edwardstone on day two at Kempton. Lac De Constance, Get A Tonic and Flegmatik are also likely to be on the card. Midnight River is likely on to win the Paddy Power New Year’s Day Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on January 1st.
2022 Christmas racing offers. Paddy Power is giving away free bets to new and existing customers. Sky Bet are offering new customers free bet when they sign up. Bet365 have a new customer offer available. William Hill customers can claim free betting here and benefit from their money-back offers here. Tote will give you a free Bet.
Paddy Power are giving away free bets to new and existing customers. Sky Bet are offering new customers free bet when they sign up. Bet365 have a new customer offer available. William Hill customers can claim free betting here and benefit from their money-back offers here.
