With Christmas rapidly approaching, National Hunt racing enthusiasts are eagerly looking ahead to Boxing Day as the prestigious Christmas Festival unfolds at Kempton Park.
The lucrative race day features three Grade 1s, including the Christmas Hurdle—which could see the long-awaited return of Constitution Hill—and the Kauto Star Chase for exciting novices.
However, the highlight is the King George VI Chase. One of the main races of the season for three-milers, the lucrative contest attracts horses who often later go on to compete in the Gold Cup.
With anticipation growing for the 2024 renewal, let’s take a look at some of the favourites in the King George (Antepost) market and assess their chances of glory on December 26.
Spillane’s Tower – 5/2
While he would officially need to be supplemented by connections at the time of writing, Spillane’s Tower leads the market at odds of 5/2.
Irish handler Jimmy Mangan didn’t enter the JP McManus-owned six-year-old at the closing stage but the esteemed owner has refused to rule out paying the fee to get him put in before the big day.
Spillane’s Tower caused a lot of excitement when finishing a close runner-up to Fact To File in the prestigious John Durkan on reappearance, with Galopin Des Champs and Fastorslow behind.
Based on that form, Spillane’s Tower would likely have a fantastic chance in the King George but it remains to be seen if it will be his festive target.
Grey Dawning – 7/2
Considered Britain’s leading hope of winning their first Gold Cup since Native River’s success for Colin Tizzard in 2018, Grey Dawning is the 7/2 second favourite in the horse racing odds.
An exciting novice for Dan Skelton last season, notably winning the Turners’ Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham, a lot of fanfare surrounded the seven-year-old on his reappearance in the Betfair Chase.
However, he failed to score in his first Grade 1 in open company when held by the rallying veteran Royale Pagaille at Haydock Park.
Grey Dawning should come on from that opening run of the campaign, and if Spillane’s Tower doesn’t line up on Boxing Day, he should take a lot of beating in the King George.
Corbetts Cross – 6/1
Another runner for McManus, Corbetts Cross, will be at the start on Boxing Day as the Irish billionaire seeks his landmark first win in the King George.
Despite being the most successful owner in National Hunt racing history with over 4,000 victories, the prestigious December 26 contest has eluded him thus far.
Corbetts Cross is a consistent performer, finishing outside the places just once in his seven outings over fences, but he could find his opposition too strong on Boxing Day to pick up a first win since landing the Amateur Jockeys’ Novices’ Chase by a commanding 17 lengths at Cheltenham in March.
The King George is no stranger to upsets, with Tornado Flyer (28/1) and Frodon (20/1) causing shocks in recent years, and previous winners Hewick (9/1) and Bravemansgame (20/1) could be in contention on Boxing Day.
