One horse, one jockey, one trainer and one race to watch on Saturday

Horse

Epatante was a joy to watch on her seasonal reappearance in Newcastle's Fighting Fifth Hurdle last month.

The Champion Hurdle heroine oozed class throughout the Grade 1 contest and barely needed to come out of cruise control to beat Sceau Royal by four and a quarter lengths.

Epatante bids for a fifth straight win in Kempton’s Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle (2.25) and it looks a penalty kick for this richly talented mare in receipt of 7lb from three of her four rivals.

Jockey

Dan Skelton’s stable continues to go from strength to strength and his brother Harry, who currently sits third in the jockeys’ championship with 63 winners, looks set for a big Boxing Day as he has a fantastic book of rides.

The market suggests the rider holds a realistic chance of a festive four-timer with Third Time Lucki (12.40), Alnadam (1.15), Shan Blue (1.50) and Riggs (3.35).

Trainer

Paul Nicholls boasts an incredible record in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase (3.00) with 11 wins and he holds a particularly strong hand this year with four runners.

In addition to Clan Des Obeaux and Cyrname, who head the market, he also fields the popular Frodon and still unexposed Real Steel.

Don’t forget Nicholls’ Kandoo Kid in Wincanton’s bumper (3.50). He usually has a strongly fancied contender for this particular race.

Race

The main focus will be Kempton’s traditional Christmas showpiece, the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase (3.00).

Clan Des Obeaux: bids for a third King George VI Chase successCredit: Edward Whitaker

It promises to be an absorbing edition featuring two-time winner Clan Des Obeaux, his higher-rated stablemate Cyrname, plus the second and third – Santini and Lostintranslation – from last season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Throw in the likes of Frodon and Waiting Patiently and you’ve got a Grade 1 that positively drips with all-round quality. Bring it on.

Read more:

Who will win the King George VI Chase based on previous trends?

Who would the great and the good of racing choose to ride in the King George?

'He feels fantastic' - Sam Twiston-Davies delighted with Clan Des Obeaux

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