Boxing Day Racing Analysis
For those (sensibly) avoiding the shops on Boxing day, there are a feast of racing specials to look forward to and main course is the King George VI chase
Will Mullins Be Popping the Champagne at Kempton?
Willie Mullins is famed for crossing the Irish Sea and taking Grade 1 wins from under the nose of UK trainers with the likes of Hurricane Fly and Annie Power, so it’s not shock to see seven-year-old stable companion Champagne Fever fancied for the King George VI at Kempton.
Despite not always taking to fences, Champagne Fever clearly has the determination to take victories after battling heavy ground to win by six lengths last time out.
He will be in the hands of Ruby ‘Snowy’ Walsh on Friday, the jockey who guided him to wins at Punchestown and a narrow second place finish in the Arkle Challenge Trophy earlier this season.
Priced at 3/1 he has the charisma and the class to pass the post first ahead of his rivals.
Kempton Treble For Irish Trainer
Willie Mullins certainly has his pick of runners in the Boxing Day meeting at Kempton and three of them have realistic chances.
In the 12:50, Douvran is an impressive little four year old who won last time out, but his stand out horse is six-year-old Faugheen.
His latest outing came in the Ascot Hurdle just over a month ago where he won by 3 ¾ lengths to Nicky Henderson trained Blue Fashion. Fancied at Kempton he could be the icing on the cake for Willie Mullins.
Winning every one of his career starts, including five in the hands of top jockey Ruby Walsh, Faugheen is one to watch.
Today’s free horse racing tip:
Sausalito Sunrise 14:00 Kempton
Six-year-old Sausalito sunrise has been unlucky in his last two outing to be beaten into second place at Cheltenham. The tide could be turning for the Philip Hobbs trained gelding however as his previous form at Chepstow and Perth show he has more in the tank.
With favoured jockey Tom O’Brien in the saddle, the distance shouldn’t be a problem for him as he has won over 3 miles already this year.
Priced at 6/1 he is a good price to past the post first.
