Sean Bowen Saturday rides blog: 'He comes here on the back of a big performance'

Sean Bowen has five rides at Ascot on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The Coral ambassador previews them all in his latest blog and gives his thoughts on his booking on Banbridge in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

• Firefox - Ascot - 12.40 race odds

• General Medrano - Ascot - 1.50 race odds

• Strong Leader - Ascot - 2.25 race odds

• Transmission - Ascot - 3.00 race odds

• Sticktotheplan - Ascot - 3.35 race odds

12.40 Ascot – Firefox

I am excited to pick up this ride on board Firefox, who is a talented horse. Gordon Elliott’s runners are absolutely flying. It was an excellent comeback run at Down Royal recently, so he comes here on the back of a big performance.

He only has two runners to beat in this race, but both horses have a lot of ability, so it should be a cracking little race to begin the card with.

1.50 Ascot – General Medrano

It looked like a disappointing run from General Medrano at Newbury last time, but he was not far away on his comeback run at Ascot, and that was off a 4lb higher mark than this. I think the return to this course will help, the distance should not be a problem, so he definitely has a chance if back to his best.

2.25 Ascot – Strong Leader

I always enjoy getting back on Strong Leader. I thought his run at Newbury was very good. He had the cheekpieces on, and they seemed to spark him back up. We had to give Impose Toi 6lb that day, but we don’t have to concede weight here. The only negative you could look at is that his form isn’t always the best going right-handed. That said, this is a Grade One, he is in great form, and we are going to give it a good go.

3.00 Ascot – Transmission

Transmission has never run anywhere other than Cheltenham over fences in the UK, and he has some decent form there. He was fifth in the National Hunt Challenge Cup behind Haiti Couleurs back in March. Unfortunately, his form since then has not been as good. He will need to bounce back to what he produced at the back end of last season.

3.35 Ascot – Sticktotheplan

This will be Sticktotheplan’s first run in a handicap. The race was not run to suit him last time at Haydock on a quick track. If there is a strong gallop here, that will help. It’s a good race, as it should be for the prize money available. We are not sure about his handicap mark, but we will obviously know a lot more about it after this race.

King George ride on Banbridge

I am delighted to pick up the ride on Banbridge in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. He was obviously last year’s winner, so he has proven himself over the course and distance.

This year’s race looks set to be even stronger, with Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File likely to run. I’d say it will be one of the strongest renewals for many years.

It has been a great season so far, but races like the King George are the ones you get really excited about, so heading to Kempton knowing I am on board one of the genuine contenders is fantastic.

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