bettrends.co.uk

HORSES TO FOLLOW UPDATE – DECEMBER 24TH

Although the weather is bad, Kempton are confident of racing, so let’s hope they do as there are some cracking races to look forward to.

BOXING DAY

We start off with BELLVANO in the 12.45 at KEMPTON and after such an impressive debut over hurdles he can’t be opposed. He looks all speed and the track should suit and with McCoy in the saddle I expect him to win well.

BINOCULAR bids to rebuild his reputation in the Christmas Hurdle at 2.30 and with Go Native in opposition it won’t be easy. I expect him to bounce back to form and the track should play to his strengths, but it will also favour Go Native. I think his last run was simply too bad to be true and I know A.P. McCoy rates him very highly, so it should be a fascinating race but preference goes to the inform runner, so it is Go Native for me.

The big race of the day is the King George VI Chase at 3.05pm and KAUTO STAR is strongly fancied to win. He is simply awesome right handed and is one of the best horses that I ever seen, so will not be opposed. He battled well to win last time out and is reported to be spot on for this. In the ante-post preview I highlighted the chances of Madison Du Berlais and having needed the run first time out, he should be a serious threat this time. It is a huge ask to beat the champ though, but all is in place for a big run and I strongly fancy him for the forecast.

MONDAY DECEMBER 28TH

On Monday there are a couple of seriously good Grade One Chases at Leopardstown that we have runners in. Firstly PANDORAMA tackles the Knight Frank Novices Chase at 1.30 and should prove hard to beat. Last time out he impressed when winning the Drinmore and should be even more effective this time as the extra trip will suit as will a return to a left handed track.

At 2.35 the Lexus Chase takes place and WHAT A FRIEND takes on JONCOL and ARAN CONCERTO and several other top horses in a very open race. It looks very hard to call and is not a race I would want to get heavily involved in. At the prices Voy Por Ustedes looks the pick as 8/1 is simply too big for a horse that is gaining in stamina with age and has proved time and time again that he is a very consistent class act.

Please look out for the next update as it will be loaded to the website on Tuesday morning ahead of a fascinating card at Newbury.