Kempton preview: Gracious George has plenty going for him
Published:
David Metcalf | December 3, 2015
Gracious George has an excellent record at Kempton, so can take advantage of a drop in the weights to further enhance it with victory in the 1m handicap that opens this evening’s card at the Sunbury-on-Thames venue (16.05).
The Jimmy Fox trained gelding is a three-time winner at the track, and has also run well to be placed on three occasions.
In the last of those successes back in January, Gracious George came with a surging run from off the pace to beat Franco’s Secret by a neck in the class 5 contest off a mark of 70.
George could be Gracious gamble for punters
The five-year-old then finished a solid 3/4 length third over course and distance off 73, but after being put up another 1lb has failed to trouble the judge in six subsequent outings.
However, that has resulted in the assessor cutting Gracious George some slack and he is now able to race in this class 6 contest off 65.
That is 5lb lower than when last successful in a higher grade and gives the son of Oratorio major claims from a handicapping perspective.
Gracious George also comes into the contest having caught the eye when staying on to finish seventh of 12 over course and distance under tender handling, and if building on that effort looks weighted to get back to winning ways.
Chetan worth a wager
In the 6f handicap (19.10), the well-treated Chetan looks decent value to land the spoils now fitted with cheekpieces for the first time.
The Charlie Wallis trained gelding is a dual course and distance winner, and in the last of those successes 12 months ago showed a good attitude to dig deep and score by a neck off a mark of 60.
Chetan backed that up with a solid third over 7f at the track off 65, and is now able to race off a reduced rating of 58.
That gives the three-year-old major claims at the weights on the pick of his form, especially if the new headgear has the desired effect.
Selections
16.05: Gracious George (NAP)
16.40: Udontdodou
17.10: Kakashan
17.40: Saint Honore
18.10: Aldeburgh
18.40: Bennelong
19.10: Chetan (NB)
19.40: Piazza San Pietro
