Bravemansgame can land an incredible 13th King George for Nicholls

Staying star Bravemansgame can land an incredible 13th King George for trainer Paul Nicholls, but heavy rain will play to the strengths of L’Homme Presse at Kempton

  • Ditcheat maestro saddles a third of the field in enthralling King George VI Chase
  • Bravemansgame primed for race since last season’s Kauto Star Novices Chase
  • Gelding ably supported by the improving Hitman and 2020 winner Frodon

Paul Nicholls has delivered with all the regularity of Santa Claus in Christmases past, and the master trainer holds another strong hand heading into this afternoon’s enthralling Ladbrokes King George VI Chase.

The Ditcheat maestro bids to land an incredible 13th King George by saddling a third of the field, led by BRAVEMANSGAME (Kempton, 2.30) and ably supported by the improving Hitman and 2020 winner Frodon.

The Boxing Day race has been Bravemansgame’s ultimate objective for 12 months, with his handler targeting another tilt at Kempton glory as soon as his gelding crossed the line in last season’s Kauto Star Novices Chase on this card.

Bravemansgame (above) can land an incredible 13th King George for trainer Paul Nicholls

‘He looks in good shape and we have had a great preparation with him,’ reported Nicholls.

‘He went to the Charlie Hall Chase and he was probably ready to run as he did but he wasn’t fully wound up.

‘He travelled well and jumped well and won nicely. We have done a lot with him since then as we want him ready for his life.

‘He used to go a little bit light on us after Christmas, but we found out he had problems with ulcers, so we are on top of that now. He has had a great preparation and looks fantastic.’

Stable confidence in Bravemansgame has been strong in recent weeks, although heavy rain at Kempton in the days leading up to today’s event will play to their strengths of L’Homme Presse, who looks sure to go off favourite.

A cosy winner on his return at Newcastle in a handicap, Venetia Williams’ gelding may be a dangerous adversary if allowed to find a good rhythm in front.

However, Nicholls may well try to counteract L’Homme Presse’s front-running domination by utilising the trailblazing Frodon in that role, with the prospect of a late pace collapse likely to play to the strengths of the strong-travelling Bravemansgame.

Those looking outside of the obvious – and the last two winners have been 28-1 and 20-1 – may consider Eldorado Allen, who has run creditably in a Betfair Chase so could be overpriced.




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