All roads lead to Kempton: King George building to epic clash of the titans

Next month's Ladbrokes King George VI Chase is shaping up to be the Christmas cracker of the festive season and the enthusiasm for what could be a colossal showdown at Kempton extends beyond those participating in the race.

Those in attendance for the Grade 1 highlight might be treated to the three highest-rated chasers in Britain doing battle following the latest adjustments by the handicapper, and clerk of the course Barney Clifford is as excited as any racing fan by the potential spectacle.

"I think we say this every year but this year's King George seems to be the most competitive on paper and visually from what we've seen so far," Clifford said on Tuesday.

"It was interesting when Warren Greatrex said they might go to the Peterborough Chase with La Bague Au Roi as you think she's won a Kauto Star and had a couple of them in behind. The quality of this [the King George] is phenomenal."

Kempton's clerk of the course Barney Clifford (left) with trainer Nicky Henderson at Kempton earlier in the yearCredit: Edward Whitaker

Clifford took the opportunity to witness first-hand Cyrname and Altior in action at Ascot last weekend and the former jump jockey was impressed.

He said: "I cycled into the infield at Ascot as I just wanted to see Altior and Cyrname and make up my own mind. Cyrname was amazing, they went some gallop.

"To me Altior got the trip. If he wasn't going to get it he would have stopped at the back of the second-last but he just didn't pick up from that relentless pace."

With no racing on Kempton's jumps track before King George day, Clifford is hoping for a month of favourable weather and said: "The ground deteriorated on Monday while we were racing but I walked it after racing and it was in reasonably good nick.

"The indications are it might get cooler after the weekend then get back to milder again but it is a long way out."

For Ladbrokes, adding the King George to their sponsorship portfolio already looks a coup, and the firm's head of PR Nicola McGeady said: "A mouth-watering clash looks in store for our first year as sponsors of the race.

"Cyrname was promoted to the head of the betting after beating Altior over the weekend but he won’t have it all his own way with Lostintranslation and Clan Des Obeaux taking him on. It really does look a fascinating renewal and December 26th can’t come quick enough."

Ladbrokes are joint biggest about Lostintranslation at 11-4 behind Cyrname at 9-4 favourite.

Last weekend's action set the table for the mouthwatering meeting at Kempton with Cyrname's two-and-a-quarter-length defeat of Altior cementing his position as the highest-rated chaser in Britain.

Already rated 1lb superior to Altior on 176, Cyrname has been lifted to a new mark of 177, while Altior was untouched on 175.

Assessing the Ascot clash, BHA handicapper Martin Smith said: "Visually, and on the clock, there is nothing to suggest this form is unreliable.

"With his class now established, the challenge for Cyrname going forward is for him is to show he can perform to the same level away from Ascot.

"As for Altior, I thought he ran a cracking race and I would not have any stamina doubts about him going forward. In running to 175 on the day, I have him bettering the form he showed when winning the Champion Chase last year. He lost absolutely nothing in defeat."

Lostintranslation: an impressive winner of the Betfair ChaseCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The big mover in the ratings was Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup ante-post favourite Lostintranslation, who denied Bristol De Mai his Betfair Chase hat-trick at Haydock on Saturday.

The Colin Tizzard-trained chaser has been given a 12lb hike to a new mark of 173, with Bristol De Mai unchanged on 170.

Ladbrokes King George entries and betting

Commenting on the rise, BHA senior handicapper Martin Greenwood said: "Over the last five years of the Betfair Chase the peak winning performance has been 172, and I have put Lostintranslation above all those on 173 with the promise of even more to come.

"With stamina questions regarding Cyrname and Altior [Kempton’s sharp three miles notwithstanding], the current problems with Kemboy’s syndication and Al Boum Photo not due out until the new year, I think it is fair to say that Lostintranslation is very much in pole position as things stand in this season’s staying chase pecking order."

Bristol De Mai's trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies has ruled out another tilt at the King George but Cyrname's stablemate and last year's King George winner Clan Des Obeaux, officially rated 169, is another exciting possible.

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