Friday, December 26th will see the annual renewal of the famous King George VI Chase. This is probably going to be the race of the festive period because there is a massive battle at the head of the market.
Five of the nine runners from last year’s race are back in the lineup for the 2014 edition, and it is Silviniaco Conti who is out to defend his title after seeing off Cue Card twelve months ago. It is Silviniaco Conti who is leading the form and the outright market at sponsors Betfair where he can be backed at a 3.6 quote.
But it is one of the newcomers to the race which is attracting a lot of the headline. Champagne Fever is looking to become the leading staying chaser by landing viceroy in the King George VI Chase. While Silviniaco Conti and Cue Card have had prior experience of the Kempton feature race, this is new ground for Champagne Fever. This is the wonder kid, having already landed a Champion Bumper and Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Champagne Fever came oh so very close to landing the Arkle as well in the spring.
So much backing has Champagne Fever received in King George VI Chase betting that, he can be backed at 5.0 second favourite. Quite a statement about the perceived threat that he is going to lay down. While he looks a natural stayer, this is the first time that he has been out to three miles.
Last year’s third place runner Al Ferof can be backed at 8.2, with some question marks over his ability to sustain a firm challenge over three miles. Another of last year’s runner is at 11.5, with Menorah hunting with current form that he could get closer to the prize this time around, is also a 10.1 shot alongside Cue Card.
Cue Card has a lot to prove, because he certainly hasn’t been the horse that he once was. He was agonisingly edged out in last year’s Boxing Day renewal by Silviniaco Conti. With fourth place finishes in the Haldon Gold Cup and the Haydocks Betfair Chase, he hasn’t proven anything upon his return to action this year, but trainer Colin Tizzard is certain that he is tip top physical shape.
King George VI Chase Betting Odds at Betfair
Sivliniaco Conti 3.6, Champagne Fever 4.5, Al Ferof 8.0, Menorah 10, Cue Card 10, Dynaste 11
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