Boxing Day. Quite possibly the most chaotic, mad and incredible day of the racing year. 10 meetings, four Grade One’s and everything else in between.
Today we pick out the main action from Kempton, Aintree and Wetherby. It’s five best bets from the five best races.
Kempton
Music To My Ears
1:20 – Kauto Star Novice’s Chase (Grade One) – The Jukebox Man @ Evs (William Hill)
In what seems to be a less-than-Grade-One-quality Grade One, The Jukebox Man can carry on his fine progression over fences. He was incredible in the Grade Two John Francome at Newbury, pitch perfect over every fence. He does come up against Hyland, who was great twice at Cheltenham, but looks to outclass them here.
Die On The Hill
1:55 – Christmas Hurdle (Grade One) – Constitution Hill @ 6/5 (General)
There are two reasons to why I’m picking this most troubled horse over the mare Lossiemouth. One is he is clear on ratings, even with the allowance that Lossiemouth is given. Two is that Nicky Henderson would never have come to Kempton if he wasn’t 100%. It’s been a tumultuous time for Constitution Hill, and it’s understandable why people will be against him. But with only two other runners he hasn’t got much competition in the way and will be a welcome Boxing Day treat.
A Boxing Day Knockout
2:30 – King George VI Chase (Grade One) – Il Est Francais @ 9/2 (William Hill)
It’s the Boxing Day highlight, with one of the bets fields we have seen in recent memory. Four runners from Ireland, three from France, one former winner and 24 Grade One’s shared between them.
But I feel I have to side with Il Est Francais. We felt as though his Kauto Star romp was a fleeting showing of his talent after he pulled up last time out in France. However, he’s been primed for this race and seemed to look comfortable last time out. French chasers face a lot more difficult on the continent, and we should see a return to what we saw on Boxing Day last year.
There is stern opposition that are worth a mention and representing Ireland, Banbridge looks as though this could be a suitable race. The big question is whether he can stay the three-miles, but he has placed at this distance when racing in point-to-points. The ground is a big plus for him and he also notched up the G2 Silviniaco Conti Chase here last January. Paul Townend is also booked aboard. More than capable. 5/1 (BetVictor).
Who’s the best of the Brits though? My vote goes to L’Homme Presse. He’s been lightly raced and almost forgotten about. In 2022 he unseated when looking well at the last fence and finished a valiant fourth in this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup last year. He runs for the in-form Venetia Williams and, it may come as a surprise but is the top-rated in the field. Overpriced at 10/1 (William Hill).
Aintree
On The Charm Offensive
1:05 – William Hill Formby Novice’s Hurdle (Grade One) – Potters Charm @ 7/4 (General)
This looks to be a good field for the newest addition to the Boxing Day festivities. When he turned up to the November meeting, we all thought it would be a close match between him and Valgrand. Instead, we saw Potters Charm open up by 11 lengths. Admittedly, the step down in trip is a bit of unusual thinking from Nigel Twiston-Davies and not opting to go to the Challow at Newbury. There will be some thinking behind it and can outclass these.
Don’t discount Country Mile who won at a canter last time out at the December meeting at Cheltenham after being held up before picking up all his rivals and sauntering to the line. There’s no guarantee he will do that here but he won’t be too far off. 5/1 (William Hill).
Wetherby
Totally On Top Of It
1:35 – William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (Premier H’cap) – Cruz Control @ 7/2 (William Hill)
And to round off the Boxing Day bonanza, we have the only premier handicap of the day up in West Yorkshire. Cruz Control makes his first start over fences after reappearing over hurdles and was a disappointing seventh. He’s a good staying chaser and looks to compete over the marathon distances. He comes into the race off a four-pound higher mark than his previous win at Aintree in the Red Rum.
Good Boy Bobby has been competing in veterans’ chases so far but is down to a competitive handicap mark for his age. He has a claimer that takes off a further seven pounds and is much lower than his 2021 winning mark. Definite possibilities. 9/1 (William Hill).
The Very Best of Luck!
