King George VI Chase 2017 Preview and Predictions

Might Bite set for Boxing Day success

Horse Racing Betting

One of the biggest sporting events over the Festive period is the running of the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day. There has been a lot going on in the build up to this famous race as Thistlecrack goes out to try and defend the crown which he won as a novice last season. But he hasn’t been trading all that great for this renewal as he is out at 13/2 with Boylesports to make it back to back wins.

The big reason for that really is because of his recent failed attempt in the Long Walk Hurdle. That was the first outing for him, granted since an injury, but there was nothing in his run to suggest that he is at his peak and he just had no finish in him whatsoever. So in only having a short time to get ready for this title defence in the King George VI Chase, it has left punters questioning his chances.

King George VI Chase 2017 Odds

Might Bite 6/5, Bristol de Mai 7/2, Thistlecrack 6/1, Fox Norton 6/1, Whisper 9/1, Tea For Two 20/1, Outlander 40/1, Double Shuffle 66/1, Traffic Fluide 66/1.

Heading up the market is Might Bite who has just been backed into shorter and shorter odds across the season in King George VI Chase 2017 betting at Boylesports. He went out for a run at Sandown in November and duly won and that just increased his popularity for going out on Boxing Day and getting his hands on the King George. He was impressive last season and his drive famously got him the RSA Novices at Cheltenham this year.

Twelve months ago he went in the Novices Chase and looked fully in control before falling and he should have the beating of a lot of the pack. He is improving all the time and with Thistlecrack not at his best then things could be lining up nicely for him. There’s no Cue Card for the race remember, who was well beaten in the Betfair Chase recently, and there’s no Sizing John who skipped the Betfair and is likely to stay away until the Cheltenham Festival.

Bristol de Mai has been a notable name in the national hunt season and that is because of his victory in the Charlie Hall and in the Betfair Chase. He destroyed the field in the Betfair Chase and in heavy going he just pounded out a pace that no-one could even get close to matching. The ground at Kempton probably won’t be quite as testing as he has liked it for his successes at Haydock, but he’s up there at a price of 7/2 and a decent contender. The conditions will be a big question for him though.

Fox Norton looks like one who can shine in the field and make a challenge to Might Bite and at 6/1 is well worth a look. He has had some good runs and he will be stepping up to the 3 miles for the first time, but the suggestions are that it will still be well within his range. He has the speed in his tank for sure and has been so strong at two and a half miles, will he carry enough stamina to contend down the end at if he’s up against a rampant Might Bite?

Predictions

Might Bite looks such a great fit for the race and can have a real impact here. There really nothing negative to write about him and along with absentees and out-of-form contenders, the field is there for him to take. Fox Norton is worth a flutter to improve his distance to a sharp three miles to get in the picture.