Last year's champion ready for title defense
Paul Nicholls, the trainer of last year's Kempton hero Bravemansgame, has issued a warning to Irish trainers Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott ahead of the King George. Despite starting the season with two defeats, Nicholls remains confident in his defending champion and believes they are the ones to beat. He dismisses any concerns about the Irish raiders and plans to campaign Bravemansgame at Kempton.
Elliott and Mullins prepare their contenders
Gordon Elliott's Gold Cup hopeful Gerri Colombe is now the new favorite for the Boxing Day blockbuster, according to Coral. Meanwhile, Willie Mullins' Ryanair hero Allaho is also a strong contender for the 3m chase. Both trainers are gearing up their horses for the highly anticipated race, but Nicholls is unfazed by their presence.
"It's a home game for him"
Nicholls believes that Bravemansgame has the advantage at Kempton, as he has already won a pair of Grade 1s at the track on Boxing Day. He is confident that the horse will perform better than his previous races and is eagerly looking forward to the King George. Nicholls dismisses any notion of shirking the competition and is ready to face the Irish raiders head-on.
Will the Irish even turn up?
Nicholls hints at the possibility that the Irish contenders may not even participate in the King George. He acknowledges that anything can happen in the weeks leading up to the race and it remains to be seen if the Irish trainers will bring their horses. Regardless, Nicholls maintains his belief that Bravemansgame is the horse to beat.
Current odds
According to Ladbrokes, Gerri Colombe is the current favorite at 9-4, followed closely by Bravemansgame at 5-2. Allaho is at 7-2, while other contenders include Shishkin, The Real Whacker, Royale Pagaille, Pic D'Orhy, Galopin Des Champs, Hewick, and others.
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