Matt Chapman tips

“I can’t believe it,” Venetia Williams declared when she won the King George nearly a quarter of a century ago with the Teton Mill.

However, the trainer wouldn’t be surprised if she made the ITV Boxing Day showdown in Kempton alongside the formidable L’Homme Presse.

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Teeton Mill’s victory meant Paul Nichols, champion coach, couldn’t follow up King George’s heroics with See More Business, which he acquired in 1997.

But, Williams and Nicholls have had very different records in the first-class feature.

Williams would win the only victory, with Nichols collecting a record 12 King Georges.

They have more than half of the field between them today, with Williams relying primarily on Llum Press, Royal Bagaille, and Nichols fielding 2020 Frodon, Hitman, and Bravemansgame from his Ditchheat home.

It is difficult to pick a winner in a race with a monster and Envoi Allen returning to form.

This is because King George is often a returning hero like Mandarin, Pendil and Captain Christy, Silver Buck or Desert Orchid, The Fellow and One Man, See More Business.

Frodon aside though, King George 2022 is more about the stalker from season two and what might be instead.

So, I feel very confident standing with L’Homme Presse as the official best horse of the race with a BHA Mark of 170.

The French import has performed admirably since it was sent over the fences. He has suffered only one defeat in seven attempts at larger obstacles, including the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Chase (Sandown) and Brown Advisory (Cheltenham Festival).

Although the contest was not the greatest, Charlie Deutch, riding Charlie Deutch, is a fine resident who jumps to have fun and should be part of the mix after a win in the corporate open handicap in Newcastle.

Bravemansgame packs an impressive punch, despite it being 6 pounds lighter than its official counterpart.

He made the same mistakes as L’Homme Presse and fell behind Ahoy Senor in Aintree. However, he made a small error and returned to Eldorado Allen at Charlie’s Hall, Wetherby.

He is already a Kempton class 1 winner and could easily prove that he is good enough.

Stablemate Hitman has a lot of talent. He climbed to Haydock’s 2m6ft last time and showed that he can have a lot of fun.

Harry Cobden has left him, but will give Sam Twiston Davies an excellent role.

Royale Pagaille, among others, could easily frame Rich Ricci. The eight-year-old is doing well and staying strong.

Apart from the thrills of King George we’ll be bundled up to see the most exciting Constitution Hill in Grade 1 Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle.

Shining champ Supreme should win easily over Fighting Fifth Hurdle and Epatante, who were both well beaten at Newcastle. Old boy Sceau Royal will also be defeated but the crowd will still cheer.

Michael Buckley, a Nicky Henderson-trained boy, hit the jackpot.

The Kempton Boxing Day card has Champ and Paisley Park going head-to-head after their thrilling fight in Newbury.

Many will disagree with this claim. It is also not a Paisley Park race. It is not surprising that he never rode a Kempton track before. He prefers speed over endurance.

Despite this being a small field there are not many people who enjoy a fast pace. Paisley is only able to succeed under the guidance of Aidan Coleman.

I will accept the chance given reasonable odds.

Kauto Star is a first-class Ladbrokes chase.

McFabulous was very kind to Thyme Hill that day in Newbury, but the latter had only just mastered the art of jumping the fence fluently.

He’s proven in his previous hunts that it is possible to overcome larger obstacles. I can see him sticking close to home.

I wish you a happy birthday. Racing fans will have a lot of fun this afternoon.

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