Date: Thursday 26th December 2024
The King George often rewards a horse with the right blend of tactical pace and proven stamina, but it can also punish runners who are simply stronger stayers rather than sharp three-mile chasers.
The age trend remains very strong, with most recent winners aged between six and eight, while previous Kempton form and Grade 1 experience continue to matter a great deal. The market usually gets close enough to the answer, but not always in the right order.
These are the three that come out strongest on the Turf Talk figures.
TURF TALK RATINGS - LEADING CONTENDERS
| Horse | Turf Talk Rating |
|---|---|
| Il Est Francais | 225 |
| Banbridge | 218 |
| Spillane’s Tower | 209 |
| Bravemansgame | 201 |
| Corbetts Cross | 193 |
The ratings favour the younger, sharper types with enough speed for Kempton, which again looks likely to be the key ingredient.
MAIN SELECTION
Il Est Francais (11/2 available)
He comes out top on the figures and looks the most likely horse to get Kempton in his favour.
He has the right age, the right style and plenty of class. If he jumps and travels as smoothly as expected, he looks the type who could take a lot of pegging back around here.
BACKUP SELECTION 1
Banbridge (9/1 available)
Very solid on the race trends and one who looks better suited to Kempton than some may think.
He has the class and the tactical pace to be a major player, and if the selection does not dominate from the front he looks the one most likely to be finishing strongly. Not flashy, but very dangerous.
BACKUP SELECTION 2
Spillane’s Tower (8/1 available)
A lively alternative with enough upside to make him interesting.
He still has to prove he belongs fully in this company, but his profile is that of a horse still going the right way. In a race where the market is often only approximately right, he is no surprise package if stepping forward again.
SUMMARY
Il Est Francais heads the ratings on tactical pace and track suitability, with Banbridge looking the strongest danger and Spillane’s Tower the one who could improve enough to get into the argument at a fair price.
