THE King George is top billing on Boxing Day but there are plenty of other top class races at Kempton to get stuck into.
Here are four Christmas crackers to watch out for.
Verdana Blue
Nicky Henderson’s star mare won the Christmas Hurdle last year, getting the better of none other thanBuveur D’Airin a tight finish.
There’s nothing of that quality in this contest this year, even ifFusil Rafflesdoes improve drastically from his Elite Hurdle victory.
The ground is the big question for her as she wants it as quick as possible – and if the rain stays away then she’s the one to beat on form and ratings.
She’s coming back from a long absence but fitness shouldn’t be an issue and it will be terrific to see her electric turn of foot back in action.
@PFNicholls
Master Tommytucker returns a winner after more than a year away with success in an exciting @RacingTV Beginners' Chase.
Thomas Darby finishes third of the five runners @kemptonparkrace pic.twitter.com/LWmJMAHYx0
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 25, 2019
Master Tommytucker
Paul Nicholls has long thought the world of his eight-year-old and he showed what he’s capable of at this track last time out, jumping well before getting back up to win over 2m2f.
The longer trip will suit him well and his bold jumping should stand him in good stead, particularly as they’ll go slower than they did last time.
He’s still very unexposed after just four starts under rules (two over fences) and the fact Harry Cobden has chosen him overDanny Whizzbangsuggests he’s the more fancied of the Ditcheat duo.
Grade 1 honours could be in the offing before a crack at an even bigger prize later in the season.
Roll Again
Venetia Williams is in better form than an Amsterdam reveller with 500 in his hand and her Roll Againshould be able to supplement his easy victory at Ludlow last time.
Williams has had 13 winners from her last 27 runners and judged on her five-year-old’s Shropshire domination, a 7lb rise won’t be too much to handle.
The drop in trip shouldn’t be an issue either, and if he gets an easy lead and pops the first couple he’ll be very hard to catch.
This race is often won by a very well-handicapped horse, and he could be just that.
Vegas Blue
Nicky Henderson unleashed his smart filly at Bangor in May and she returned with a superb performance in a Listed bumper at Huntingdon earlier this month, drawing clear of her field in some style.
That was a fine display and she is bound to improve further given her pedigree and promise.
This is a different test on hurdling debut but she’s shown she’s capable of classy form already and in receipt of weight, she’ll be tough to beat.
There are some smart rivals up against her but she could be a Grade above.
