2021 King George VI Chase: why this horse can win the big race at Kempton

The prestigious Ladbrokes King George VI Chase (3.05) takes centre stage at Kempton on Sunday and it promises to be another cracking race. Five of our experts give their view on who they fancy to win the big prize . . .

3.05 Kempton: Ladbrokes King George VI Chase racecard and betting

Chantry House: 'In terms of potential he's a standout contender'

I'd side with the young improver at the prices, and I'm surprised Chantry House is not shorter in the market given he's won five of his six starts over fences. His odds are only marginally shorter than those of Asterion Forlonge, despite comfortably beating Willie Mullins' grey at Cheltenham in March.

In terms of form Chantry House has a bit to find, but in terms of potential he's a standout contender, especially when you consider he perhaps wasn't at his best as a novice last season yet kept on winning.

Gold Cup winner Minella Indo sets the standard, but his best form always seems to be from March onwards, and he could be a spring horse. Paul Nicholls' pair, Clan Des Obeaux and Frodon, have won the last three runnings between them, but aged nine going on ten, they are there to be shot at.
James Hill, tipster

Asterion Forlonge: 'This is the perfect target for him'

He's one of racing's most mercurial characters, but there is no doubt this is the perfect target for Asterion Forlonge to pick up the biggest win of his career.

While his sole Grade 1 victory came left-handed around Leopardstown, it's clear he causes near-destruction going that way and is a far better horse right-handed – as shown by his annihilation of a good field of novice handicappers at the Punchestown festival last season.

The major concern is his jumping, having crashed out in three of his eight chase starts, but I am certain he would have given Ryanair Chase winner Allaho a comprehensive beating in the John Durkan last time had he stood up at the third-last.

Asterion Forlonge: King George runner for Willie MullinsCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The nature of Kempton and the speed test a King George provides places less emphasis on stamina over three miles, so a first try over this trip doesn't put me off. Clan Des Obeaux has yet to win on his seasonal return, Frodon appears flattered by last year's win and this will not play to dour stayer Minella Indo's strengths away from Cheltenham.

The leading contenders have plenty of questions to answer and it feels like a King George running where a chance could be worth taking.
Matt Rennie, reporter

Clan Des Obeaux: 'He's by far the most likely winner'

There is no better target trainer than Paul Nicholls and absolutely everything about Clan Des Obeaux's season will be tailored around this day. He thrives at Kempton, is proven on the ground and as much as he is an obvious selection I do not see a rival I would want to take him on with.

The sharp track is a concern for Minella Indo, jumping for Asterion Forlonge and there is a big class question mark for Chantry House. Then there's Frodon, who I feel will not get things totally his way this time, and Lostintranslation, who has been disappointing here in the past, albeit with excuses.

Clan Des Obeaux is the safest bet here – he is by far the most likely winner and is a backable price. Asterion Forlonge would be a second pick. If he had completed in the John Durkan (and likely won) his odds would be much shorter and he could improve a lot.
James Stevens, reporter

Chantry House: 'This improver has all the right credentials'

Chantry House will need to follow in the footsteps of Long Run and Might Bite if he's to be a King George winner for Nicky Henderson, and he has all the right credentials to do just that.

He was a dual Grade 1 winner last season, winning the 2m4f Marsh at Cheltenham and the 3m1f Mildmay at Aintree. Those performances showed he had the stamina for three miles, while also confirming he has the tactical speed for a sharper venue such as Kempton.

Chantry House: won at Cheltenham and Aintree in the springCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Those facts, coupled with the way he travels effortlessly through his races, will leave Nico de Boinville with a very comfortable trip, no matter how the race pans out. Totally unexposed, he's the potential improver in the field.
Owen Goulding, MyRacing

Clan Des Obeaux: 'It's hard to get away from this dual winner'

If ever there was a reminder of just how good Paul Nicholls is at picking a target and priming a horse for it, Frodon's Ladbrokes Champion Chase strike at Down Royal was just that.

When it comes to Clan Des Obeaux, we know December 26 has been circled on the Ditcheat calendar for some time and it's hard to get away from the dual King George scorer making it a third win in the race.

Nicholls has been on the record as saying he felt last year's below-par Kempton showing was due to leaving his race behind in the Betfair Chase a month earlier. That won't be a factor this time since connections have opted to head straight to the King George.

That move should reap dividends, especially considering main market rival Minella Indo isn't sure to be in love with the track and Asterion Forlonge can't be considered the most reliable operator, for all that he is talented.
Mark Boylan, reporter

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