King George big-race verdict: ‘If he doesn’t fall, he should be hard to beat’ 👑 💪

‘He travels and jumps through his races’

The more I look at the King George racecard, the more confident I get in the chances of Chantry House. Nicky Henderson has won the Christmas feature with Long Run and Might Bite, and Chantry House looks to have all the right credentials.

Despite being over three miles, the King George isn’t a massive stamina test, and you need a horse with plenty of tactical speed to plunder the prize. Chantry House, having won the Marsh over 2m4f, has that key asset, and the way he travels and jumps through his races lends itself to the race.

The Paul Nicholls pair are far from bulletproof, Minella Indo saves his best form for March, and Asterion Forlonge can’t jump. Chantry House is the potential improver and the one to side with. – Owen Goulding

‘He is already a super jumper of a fence’

A hugely competitive renewal where Chantry House gets a narrow vote. He improved rapidly over fences last season, well worth his place in this contest despite his relative lack of chase experience compared to some.

He is already a super jumper of a fence which is a huge plus at Kempton where quick and accurate is a must in a race run at the pace this will be with Frodon setting the fractions.

The forecast rain won’t be an issue for him with smart form on all ground. He is a perfect 2-2 this way round under rules and with better still to come, he can take another step forward. – Matt Newman

‘If he doesn’t fall, he should be hard to beat’

Owen thinks Asterion Forlonge can’t jump and he might end up being right. However, these Kempton fences are much easier than what he is accustomed to and running on a perfectly flat track will massively aid his cause.

There is no doubt that Willie Mullins’ enigma of a horse would have bolted up in the John Durkan Memorial at Punchestown last time if he had stayed on his feet. He was travelling like an absolute dream at the time of his departure.

He may well end up being a horse that always flatters to deceive and is always unlucky, but I think he is a classy horse that can be a bit of a headcase. If he is ever to win a massive pot, I think it’s here. – Adrian Wall

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