Cobden: softening Kempton ground may not suit Lostintranslation in King George

Flying machine: Cyrname (Harry Cobden) in full flight as he ends Altior's unbeaten run

Cyrname: is favourite for the King George VI ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

Harry Cobden believes the soft ground at Kempton will be more of a factor for rival Lostintranslation than market leader Cyrname, whom the jockey partners in the King George VI Chase (3.05).

"It's pretty soft and it's going to be hard work later in the day," said Cobden after finishing second aboard Ecco in the first race.

On whether it would impact how he rides Cyrname, he added: "No, I don't think so. He has been very good on the ground before. I wonder if it might be more of a factor with Lostintranslation? I rode him once on heavy ground at Haydock and he didn't go a yard."

Cyrname, who beat Altior on his most recent start, is a well-backed 5-4 favourite, with Lostintranslation a general 9-4 chance and Clan Des Obeaux weak in the market after drifting out to 6-1. The Kempton ground is currently soft all over after constant rain throughout Thursday morning.

The field was reduced to five after the Colin Tizzard-trained Thistlecrack was declared a non-runner due to a bruised foot.

The 11-year-old won the race in 2016 and finished runner-up to Clan Des Obeaux last season, denied by only a length and a half.

"Hopefully it's only a minor thing but his foot is bruised and we couldn't travel to Kempton," said trainer Colin Tizzard. "We had the vet look at him yesterday and thought he might be alright this morning but he hasn't been and there you are."

Kempton Market Movers

Master Tommytucker 1.55
5-2 from 3-1

Epatante 2.30
11-4 from 5-1

Footpad 3.05
15-2 from 9-1

Colonel Custard 3.40
8-1 from 10-1