5 races to look forward to over the festive period
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We’ve got some great racing coming up
They say it’s the most wonderful time of year (in a normal year at least) – and it’s not hard to see why if you’re a racing fan.
We’re in for a feast of racing from Boxing Day onwards, including the Ladbrokes King George Chase, the Coral Welsh Grand National and more.
With top-class cards from Kempton, Chepstow and Leopardstown on the way, we’ve previewed the best of the action.
Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle – 14:25 Kempton, Saturday 26th December
Having won this race last year and followed it up with Champion Hurdle glory at Cheltenham, odds-on favourite Epatante will be looking to do the same again.
She looked in great shape on her way to winning the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle last month. If Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old runs as well as we know she can, it’s hard to see anyone denying her here.
If it’s not her day, the likes of Silver Streak, Goshen or Sceau Royal could step up and get the win.
Ladbrokes King George VI Chase – 15:00 Kempton, Saturday 26th December
Clan des Obeaux is chasing a famous hat-trick here, but our traders have him second to stablemate Cyrname in the betting.
Cyrname will be looking to go one better after coming second last year, and he comes into this renewal on the back of an impressive Charlie Hall Chase win.
Paul Nicholls’ duo won’t have it all their own way amid a strong field, with Santini and Lostintranslation also worth keeping an eye on.
Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase – 14:30 Kempton, Sunday 27th December
Altior makes his return here, having made a late withdrawal from the Tingle Creek Chase. He’s the clear favourite, but what shape will Nicky Henderson’s star be in? And are his best days now firmly behind him?
The 10-year-old hasn’t run since winning at Newbury back in February. If there are any signs of rustiness, last year’s Arkle winner Put The Kettle On could be well placed to take advantage.
Coral Welsh Grand National – 14:50 Chepstow, Sunday 27th December
After Potters Corner’s victory last year, Secret Reprieve will be looking to land a second successive Welsh win on home soil. He’s proven to be popular with punters after his recent trial victory.
Last year’s runner-up Truckers Lodge tends to do well at Chepstow too. He’s got three wins and two places from six runs here.
Yala Enki could be an each-way shout too, having finished third in the 2018 and 2019 edition of the Chepstow showpiece.
Savills Steeplechase – 14:25 Leopardstown, Monday 28th December
Minella Indo leads the way here, having bounced back from his last-gasp RSA Chase defeat to Champ to win well in both of his runs so far this season.
2018 RSA winner Presenting Percy could also be in contention, having got back to winning ways at Thurles last time out.
Delta Work returns to defend his title, looking to extend his winning streak at Leopardstown to four races.
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
