THE field for one of the hottest King George Chases in years has been declared – and it will be an absolute show-stopper.
Willie Mullins sends two over from his Closutton yard in John Durkan Chase 1-2 Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File.
Arguably the most talented horse in training, he’s won Grade 1s over two miles and three.
And Rich Ricci will be hoping his market leader Gaelic Warrior – who will be ridden by Paul Townend – can land the Christmas feature over a track and trip which should prove perfect.
His charge stole a march in the John Durkan and billionaire JP McManus’ Ryanair king Fact To File was the only horse to get within 29 lengths of him.
They could produce a repeat of that thriller but Nicky Henderson will be aiming to spoil the party.
His Arkle winner Jango Baie lines up second-fav with some bookies having thrashed rivals in the 1965 Chase at Ascot last time out.
He looks every inch a superstar stayer and odds of 16-1 for the Gold Cup will collapse if he triumphs in the 2.30pm at Kempton.
Harry Redknapp is hoping to hit the back of the net with his Ben Pauling-trained The Jukebox Man.
He had to miss the big Spring festivals last year through injury but showed his class when beating Grand National favourite Iroko on his seasonal reappearance at Haydock.
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Harry has already told wife Sandra he won’t be home on Boxing Day because he’ll be there watching his best horse.
A full field of eight will go to post for the £250,000 contest.
Venetia Williams’ Djelo couldn’t have been more impressive when landing the Peterborough Chase and has a chance.
As does bonkers French runner Il Est Francais, who will have a new rider in Harry Cobden.
He looked certain to win 12 months ago before being nabbed late on by Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge.
They will lock horns again but bookies are making them among the outsiders, alongside former Game Spirit Chase winner Master Chewy.
King George runners and riders
Banbridge
Sean Bowen
Djelo
Charlie Deutsch
Fact To File
Mark Walsh
Gaelic Warrior
Paul Townend
Il Est Francais
Harry Cobden
Jango Baie
Nico de Boinville
Master Chewy
Sam Twiston-Davies
The Jukebox Man
Ben Jones
King George odds via Paddy Power
5-2 Gaelic Warrior
3-1 Fact To File
4-1 Jango Baie
6-1 The Jukebox Man
10-1 Djelo
14-1 Banbridge
16-1 Il Est Francais
66-1 Master Chewy
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