I’ve not got a light weight to do on Boxing Day, thankfully, so I’ll be eating a bit of Christmas dinner!
It’s going to be nice to have a couple of days off over Christmas, spending time with the family and recharging the batteries, as it’s been a very busy 2022.
King George (Kempton) on Boxing Day:
The racing is back in full swing on Boxing Day, and most of the focus on the King George at Kempton, which looks a great renewal.
I was second in the race two years back on Waiting Patiently when Frodon went on to win it, and remarkably he’s back in the mix again this year. He’s been an admirable horse that’s won a lot of good races, and I think he’ll run with plenty of credit again, but you just feel that one of the young guns will have a bit too much for him this year.
For me, Bravemansgame was impressive at Kempton 12 months ago in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase, and many will have him as their idea of the winner, but I have a feeling L’Homme Presse is the one to side with out of those two. He’s a horse that’s still improving and we probably haven’t seen the best of him yet.
Don’t discount Envoi Allen. He was thought to be the second coming a couple of seasons ago, and he’s obviously had a few niggly problems, but he’s still a very high-class horse.
Newcastle on Boxing Day:
Henry Gray (11:45pm) ran over two miles at Wetherby and took a good blow. He should come on for that run and should appreciate the step up in trip.
I never thought Maughold Head (12:15pm) would be lining up in a handicap off a mark off 99. We all thought he was a good bit better than that, and he is still fairly unexposed, so fingers crossed he can put his best foot forward. This will be his third run over hurdles, the step up in trip should suit, and though he lacks experience, I’d like to think he’ll go close.
Edmond Dantes (12:50pm), who almost got up last time out, is probably one of my best chances of a Boxing Day winner. I felt like he wasn’t giving me 100% that day, so he’s got the cheekpieces on this time which will hopefully help. Newcastle’s four fences in the home straight should suit him.
Blue Fin (1:25pm) was second on his first start for us and took a good blow, so he should improve for that. He’s well at home, jumps well and he should run his race. Tom Lacey’s Cruz Control looks the one to beat.
Lady Tremaine (2:00pm) is back on the track for the first time since February, but I wouldn’t’ worry about the long lay-off as she’s fit and ready to go. She’s been ready to run for the last couple of weeks, and it’s just been about finding the right race for her. Again, Tom Lacey looks to have a nice one in there, but we’re getting a stone off him so that should help.
Heroique De Maulde (2:35pm) lost out in a head-bob on his British debut last time. I felt we should have won that race, and he’ll strip fitter for it so he must have a strong chance.
Chalk That Down (3:10pm) has a nice pedigree and has been working nicely at home, so hopefully she can get her career off to a good start.
It’s more about the education at this stage, though, so we won’t to go too hard on her. Everything we’ve asked her to do at home she’s done, and she should be a nice one to follow throughout the season.
Gentleman Davy Russell Retires:
Davy [Russell] and Frankie [Dettori] announced their retirements last week, and I can’t say too much more than has already been said about how great they were.
Obviously, Davy was a great jockey, but most importantly, he’s an absolute gentleman. I got to know him a bit from when he’d come across and ride in the UK, and he was a great guy.
Frankie’s longevity has been amazing. To be at the top of his game for so long takes a lot of hard work and talent. He’s been world class for a very long time, and I look forward to following his final year.
