Dubai Prince to get punters off to a flyer on Boxing Day

Kempton’s Boxing Day card is packed with top quality performers and the card kicks off with an interesting novice hurdle over two miles. All eyes will be on John Ferguson’s exciting new recruit Dubai Prince to see if he can confirm the promise of his debut win at Leicester.

The son of Shamardal won five times from ten starts on the flat including the Group 3 Strensall Stakes in the blue colours of Godolphin. He defeated Andrew Balding’s high class gelding Side Glance that day and clearly has the ability to go right to the top over hurdles.

He won at Leicester on a tight rein on his hurdles bow and should not be inconvenienced by the softer ground. He may have most to fear from Nicky Henderson’s Vaniteux, a game winner at Sandown recently.

Urbain De Sivola ran an eye-catching race when second over hurdles behind the wayward Deep Trouble at Sandown last time out. He could be well handicapped for his chasing bow in the second race on the card.

He represents the Paul Nicholls-Daryl Jacob combination who could strike again in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at 2.00 with Just A Par. Lucinda Russell’s Green Flag has been winning well in handicap company and takes a step up in class here.

My Tent Or Yours was most impressive when winning Newcastle’s Fighting Fifth Hurdle and can get the better of a duel with The New One in the Christmas Hurdle. Henderson’s leading Champion Hurdle hope could just be better suited by this flat track then his rival who is proven over two and a half miles.

Confidence is growing behind Dynaste in the King George VI Chase and he is taken to reverse the Haydock form with Cue Card. He has over four lengths to make up on Colin Tizzard’s gelding but won impressively here last season and can score for David Pipe.

Selections: 12.50 Dubai Prince, 1.25 Urbain De Sivola, 2.00 Just A Par, 2.35 My Tent Or Yours, 3.10 Dynaste, 3.45 Junction Fourteen