TEMPLEGATE takes on a simply stunning King George Chase at Kempton confident of finding the winner – and landing the 1-2-3!
He goes through all the runners and riders below, rating them out of one stars (worst) to five stars (best).
Back any horse you fancy in the 2.30pm Boxing Day contest – live on ITV1 – simply by clicking their odds below.
And scroll to the bottom to find his big-race tip and tricast prediction.
Templegate’s King George runner-by-runner guide
BANBRIDGE 4
BRIDGE the gap. High-class chaser who landed this race with a late swoop 12 months ago and clearly likes it here.
Well beaten on seasonal return over a much shorter trip but he will have needed that run after seven months off.
Proven at 3m and he is much the best on decent ground which he should get.
Needs to rediscover peak form but has champion jockey Sean Bowen on and looks a big price to make the frame provided the rain stays away.
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DJELO 3
LO on a high. Arrives in excellent heart after taking two Grade 2 chases this term, showing fluent jumping and strong finishing efforts.
He likes a flat, speedy track as his Peterborough Chase win showed last time.
Proven at 3m and has winning form on both good and soft ground.
He’s still only seven remains on an upward curve for Venetia Williams who has yet to fire this season.
This represents a stiff test at the very top level but profile suggests he belongs here.
FACT TO FILE 4
MATTER of Fact. Top-class performer whose form last season included dominant Grade 1 wins, notably when travelling powerfully and jumping superbly to take the Ryanair Chase at the Festival over 2m5f.
Ran an excellent race on return when narrowly denied by Gaelic Warrior in the John Durkan last time.
He has won over 3m but not at the very highest level but he should stay around flat Kempton. Will go close.
GAELIC WARRIOR 5
WARR horse. Outstanding chaser who has won three big races in a row, including the Grade 1 Bowl and the John Durkan on comeback ahead of Fact To File.
He has the pace for 2m but the proven stamina for this longer trip.
He goes on any ground and has the benefit of Paul Townend in the saddle.
Jumped and travelled strongly again last time and looks at the peak of his powers. Clearly the one to beat.
IL EST FRANCAIS 3
EST needs his best. Very smart front-running chaser at his best and runner-up in this race last year when collared near the line.
He has moved back to Tom George from France this season but went out like a light on comeback at Ascot last month after going well early on.
That’s a worry but he was a brilliant winner of the Kauto Star here as a novice and a return to that form would put him in the frame with Harry Cobden up.
JANGO BAIE 3
BAIE of plenty. Rapidly improving chaser who made a striking return when routing rivals in the 1965 Chase at Ascot.
Has Grade 1-winning novice form and is still unexposed at this level.
Stays further than 2m and shaped as though 3m will suit last time.
He could be another Nicky Henderson superstar and we’ll find out after his toughest test yet.
MASTER CHEWY 1
CHEWY spat out. Capable on his day but recent runs suggest he is some way below the required level for this contest.
Well beaten in top company last time and stamina for a full 3m at this level is not assured.
Ground holds no fears but needs a huge leap in form.
THE JUKEBOX MAN 3
TOP Man. Unbeaten over fences and a very exciting prospect who won the Kauto Star here last year.
Returned from a break with a comfortable success at Haydock and jumps nicely. Stays 3m and handles any ground.
This is a rise in class but he has the profile of a potential star for owner Harry Redknapp.
Templegate’s King George tip and 1-2-3 prediction
GAELIC WARRIOR can win the King George battle (2.30 Kempton, nap).
Willie Mullins’ star landed the John Durkan nicely on comeback and will love this longer trip. He can take another step forward.
Stablemate Fact To File chased him home at Punchestown and can repeat the feat, with last year’s winner Banbridge looking a big each-way price.
1st Gaelic Warrior
2nd Fact To File
3rd Banbridge
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