The big feature race of Boxing Day, the prestigious King George VI Chase betting has already seen three major withdrawals, all working in favour of Long Run. The Paul Nicholls trained Al Ferof was the first to go, picking up a tendon tear, which is likely to keep him out of action for the rest of the season. Now, because of the ground expected to be soft at Kempton on Boxing Day, Sir Des Champs will be bypassing the King George VI Chase, instead focusing on the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on Friday instead. Nicky Henderson’s Finian’s Rainbow has also become another absentee form the Boxing Day feature race because of the concerns over the heavy ground that will there..
So former King George champion Long Run has been the benefactor of all this and has already been trimmed to 15/8 for the renewal. Online bookmaker Boylesports are offering some protection for your 2013 King George VI betting at Kempton with their Non-Runner No Bet offer for the big race. This means that if your horse fails to make it to the starting line on Boxing Day, then you will get your stake on the non-runner refunded, so you are not going to lose out if your selection does not run.
Punters have started to turn towards The Giant Bolster and Riverside Theatre as possible challengers to Long Run, who hasn’t won any of his five starts since he won the 2010 Gold Cup. Long Run is beatable and The Giant Bolster, who finished ahead of Long Run in the Gold Cup and was close to Long Run at the Betfair Chase recently. The Giant Bolster could also have Champion jockey AP McCoy in the saddle. Because of the ground, this is going to be a massive test of stamina this year, and while Cue Card uncertain over the distance, Riverside Theatre, who finished second to Long Run at the 2010 King George should fit the distance. The Ryanair winner looks to be in good form and could really challenge for the win.
2013 King George VI Chase betting odds at online bookmaker Boylesports
Long Run 15/8, Cue Card 9/2, Riverside Theatre 5/1, Kauto Stone 7/1, Grands Crus 9/1, The Giant Bolster 10/1, Captain Chris 14/1, Junior 20/1, Champion Court 25/1, For No Stop 25/1, hunt Ball 25/1, Wishfull Thinking 50/1, Menorah 50/1
The King George VI Chase is one of the flagship races of the entire jumping season the Boylesports offer will be great coverage to take. Along with Non-Runner No Bet promotion that the betting site are running, you can also get a free £20 bet from Boylesports as a welcome bonus to use on the Kempton showcase race on December 26th.
