King George fancies: 'The horse I'd want to be on isn't even in the market'

Bristol De Mai beat Clan Des Obeaux to win a third Betfair Chase at Haydock, but what impact did the race have on the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day? Three of our experts have their say – and they all disagree . . .

'Please Kim Bailey, give us what we want'

We want the best to consistently face the best all year round and the horse I'd want to be on at Kempton didn't run in the Betfair Chase and isn't even in the market for the King George.

Imperial Aura blew me away once again at Ascot and the King George would provide him with the perfect opportunity to give three miles another go – and the way he finishes off his races would give you little doubt he would relish it at a tight track like Kempton, where he could be ridden to attack.

Cyrname and Lostintranslation failed to deliver in the race last year and Clan Des Obeaux needs some top-class opposition. Please Kim Bailey, give us what we want and supplement Imperial Aura.
Maddy Playle, RPTV

Maddy Playle wants Kim Bailey to supplement Imperial Aura for the King George on Boxing Day - do you agree?Credit: Edward Whitaker

'It's Cyrname for me'

The King George ante-post market is not an inspiring sight.

The fact Lostintranslation remains third favourite tells you plenty. He cannot win based on what happened at Haydock and many of those just below him seem highly unlikely to even turn up at Kempton.

For that reason, this looks a race that, as the betting suggests, will be dominated by Paul Nicholls. Clan Des Obeaux arguably advanced his claims in the Betfair Chase but if Cyrname brings his best form to the Christmas table he is very much the one to beat – and whereas last year his preparation was far from ideal, this time it looks perfect. For that reason, it's Cyrname for me.
Lee Mottershead, senior writer

Lee Mottershead thinks Cyrname can reverse last year's King George defeatCredit: Dan Abraham

'We'll see a three-time winner of the King George'

We've just seen a three-time winner of the Betfair Chase and I think we'll see a three-time winner of the King George.

By only going down two lengths to Bristol De Mai at his beloved Haydock, Clan Des Obeaux ran a better return than he has in each of the last two seasons before landing the Kempton showpiece.

He improved 11lb and 12lb on Racing Post Ratings from his first start the last two campaigns and was a brilliant 21-length winner of the race last year.
Robbie Wilders, tipster

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