A busy Boxing Day up and down the country will make for fine viewing and I can’t wait to get stuck into the action. My first fancy of the day is ROBELLI in the 12.45 at Kempton. Ian Williams‘ charge ran a fine race on season debut when second at Warwick to a nice sort of Dan Skelton‘s and I think he has a better chance than his odds suggest on Sunday. At 10/1 he looks good each way value despite the two places on offer and he might just give the favourite plenty to think about in what could be a tactical race.
Over at Wincanton I think EDE’IFFS ELTON is primed to strike in the valuable staying handicap chase. Robert Walford’s young chaser made great strides last season in his first year over fences and made a satisfactory comeback at Exeter recently. That looked like a prep run and his shrewd trainer has probably had this race in mind for quite some time.
My best bet of the day runs in the bumper at Huntingdon and comes in the shape of SUPREME GIFT for the inform Henry Daly team. This winning pointer was well backed on debut when just getting ran out of things at Southwell and I suspect he would have come forward for that run. Mr Daly isn’t one for running them in bumpers unless he thinks they are capable of winning one so the fact he remains in bumper suggests he is sure this lad should be going close here.
Back at Kempton I am willing to forgive HYDROPLANE a poor run on his return last time out given his lengthy odds here. He like Ede’iffs Elton enjoyed a fine season last season racking up plenty of victories. He showed his versatility by running a good race at Chester on the flat which was a run that also suggested he should be able to stay this longer trip. Johnny Burke is a fine jockey booking and I think he will outrun his odds.
The King George is undoubtedly the race of the day but it isn’t a vintage renewal in my opinion. I don’t have too strong a fancy in the race but I wouldn’t mind chancing SAINT CALVADOS at 20/1. He finished a respectable fourth in last year’s race and has since switched to Paul Nicholls‘ stable. I think the switch of stables will definitely have brought about some improvement and he wouldn’t need to improve much to be in the mix here.
Kempton 12.45 – Robelli
Wincanton 2.03 – Ede’iffs Elton
Kempton 3.05 – Saint Calvados
Huntingdon 3.32 – Supreme Gift
Kempton 3.40 – Hydroplane
