King George Betting Preview

3.10 Kempton King George VI Chase Grade 1 3m

Long Run – 5/4 Bet365
Put in an untidy round of jumping on his seasonal reappearance when finishing 8 lengths behind Kauto Star.  It was reminiscent of his return in 2010, when he also lost on his seasonal debut. He then followed up with wins in the King George and Gold Cup. Connections have long held those two races as targets, so expect him to improve from Haydock.

Kauto Star – 3/1 Bet365
Looked back to his best when winning the Betfair Chase at Haydock, recording his best Topspeed rating since his 2009 King George triumph. The question is can he repeat that mammoth run again and even if he does, will it be good enough? At the odds he probably isn’t one to get carried away with, it is easy with hindsight but Haydock was the time to back him.

Captain Chris – 7/1 Paddy Power
Fell when looking a likely winner of the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, this is a big step up in class and trip for the 2011 Arkle winner.  The ground could also be a concern. He has won only once from the five times he has raced on ground with ‘soft’ in the description; that victory was a weak three runner novices event. The price is fair but you are placing a bet with some big unknowns.

Master Minded – 13/2 Bet365
With the triumphant return of Kauto Star, stable mate Master Minded has rather become the forgotten horse of the race. An eight-time Grade One winner, the King George was supposed to be about whether he could repeat his excellence at three miles. A good win at Ascot in the Amlin Chase was perfect preparation for Kempton and Paul Nicholls has always stated this would be his target for the season.

Somersby – 18/1 Stan James
Well held by Master Minded at Ascot and has always looked a touch short of Grade 1 level, with no wins from six attempts at the highest grade.

Golan Way – 66/1 Bet365
A strong front runner this is a big step up in class and he won’t get an easy lead in this championship race.

Nacarat – 66/1 Stan James
His best performances are on good ground and the recent rain hasn’t helped his cause. He has finished fourth in the last two editions of the King George, that is probably the best he can hope for in a strong renewal.