King George, Betfair Chase and more: potential runners and a long-range shout

Nothing whets the appetite more for the thrilling upcoming jumps action than seeing which stars are likely to line up for the two most prestigious chases staged before the end of the year.

The Betfair Chase and Ladbrokes King George VI Chase are races that light up the autumn and winter and entries for both contests were revealed on Tuesday.

To make it an even more special day for jumps fans, weights were also published for the Paddy Power Gold Cup, Unibet Greatwood Hurdle and the Ladbrokes Trophy, three races which practically define the build-up to Christmas.

Big-race entries: Cheltenham, Newbury and Kempton

Upcoming races: weights and entries

Paddy Power Gold Cup (Cheltenham, November 13)

Total entries: 45
The key horses: Protektorat is unbeaten on the Old course at Cheltenham, goes well first time out and has reportedly been aimed at this by Dan Skelton since his Grade 1 success at Aintree last April. Grade 1 hurdles winner Lalor has had a wind operation since joining Paul Nicholls, while Fusil Raffles could bid to follow up last Saturday's win the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.
Current topweight: Espoir De Romay (11st 12lb)
Ante-post favourite: Protektorat (7-1)

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Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle (Cheltenham, November 14)

Total entries: 55
The key horses: The progressive No Ordinary Joe won well in novice events at Southwell and Worcester in the spring, although that was at 2m4f. Adagio was second in the Triumph Hurdle in March while Soaring Glory won well in Listed company at Ascot last Saturday but Jonjo O'Neill then warned this race may come too soon for him.
Current topweight: Buzz (11st 12lb)
Ante-post favourites: No Ordinary Joe and Soaring Glory (7-1)

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Betfair Chase (Haydock, November 20)

Total entries: 16
The key horses: A Plus Tard improved last season and finished second to stablemate Minella Indo in the Cheltenham Gold Cup – trainer Henry de Bromhead warned "hopefully there is more to come" in his Racing Post stable tour. Minella Indo has never run at Haydock, whereas Bristol de Mai has won this in three of the last four years and would emulate the legendary Kauto Star if successful once more.
Ante-post favourite: A Plus Tard (5-2)

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Ladbrokes Trophy (Newbury, November 27)

Total entries: 42 (40 qualified)
The key horses: Enrilo is out for big-race compensation, having passed the post first in the bet365 Gold Cup only to be demoted for causing interference, and has been laid out for this. Eklat De Rire has won all three completed starts in chases while Fiddlerontheroof warmed up by winning at Carlisle last Sunday and trainer Colin Tizzard has won this twice in the last five years.
Current topweight: Royale Pagaille (11st 12lb)
Ante-post favourites: Enrilo, Ontheropes and Eklat De Rire (8-1)

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Ladbrokes King George VI Chase (Kempton, December 26)

Total entries: 31
The key horses: Last year's winner Frodon showed his renowned battling qualities when scoring at Down Royal last Saturday while Clan Des Obeaux, who took this in 2019, is another who could bid to add to trainer Paul Nicholls' record 12 victories. Allaho would be a fascinating Irish challenger after his breathtaking performance in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham last March.
Ante-post favourite: Clan Des Obeaux (11-4)

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Long-range shout: Coconut Splash

Coconut Splash
16-1 with bet365, 14-1 generally

Second-season novices have a great record in this race and off 10st 3lb this extremely unexposed type looks dangerously handicapped.

He had three runs over fences last season and his two second-placed efforts in and around two and a half miles have worked out very well. Messire Des Obeaux beat him at Wincanton before going on to win a Grade 2 while Coconut Splash ran a blinder to finish three and a quarter lengths behind Chantry House at Wetherby. That rival was rated 147 then, but after wins at Cheltenham and Punchestown is now up to 162.

In addition, Coconut Splash has had only six runs and will likely improve further this season. Evan Williams won this race with Coole Cody off a low weight and has a serious chance of repeating the trick.
James Stevens, reporter

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