King George VI at Kempton preview, contenders, odds & tips

The Jukebox Man is lower in the ratings at 156 but cannot be forgotten about here; he won over course and distance this time last year in the Kauto Star and is a very good jumper, which could make all the difference in a high stakes race like this. The best may be yet to come from this Ben Pauling-trained gelding, who represents a yard in excellent form. 

Djelo can hold his own in this class of race and has won both of his Grade Two starts this term on the run up to today. His form in Grade One races behind the Mullins pair, though, makes his chance look less likely. He is clearly in great form this season and perhaps we will see a career best from him this time, though he would be hard pressed to win. 

Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge wears a visor for the first-time today, having been disappointing in his latest three starts. The oldest in the field at nine-years-old, he doesn’t look quite the force of old at present, though his mark is not downgrading yet. Sean Bowen rides, which might make a difference.

Harry Cobden rides Il Est Francais, who made no impression at all when pulling up at Ascot behind Jango Baie at Ascot last month. A course and distance winner of the Kauto Star and second in this race last year, he seems too large a price at 18/1, given that a bounce back to form is entirely possible and his trainer, Tom George, has lately hit a very strong strain of form.

Finally, Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies’ Master Chewy sits at the bottom of the market, tried over three miles for the first time here. A multiple Grade Two winner over two miles, this is new territory for him and he has had wind surgery since his underwhelming return to action, so a surprise is not totally out of the question, but he has plenty to find on ratings up against the best of the rest. 

Coral’s big-race tip: Il Est Francais each-way at 18/1

Coral also has an extensive race-by-race preview for Kempton on Friday, December 26. The article features tips for all of the races happening at this weekend's meet.

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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication.