The pick of the prices on Boxing Day....

Monday, 26th December 2022

The pick of the prices on Boxing Day….

When a trainer comes clean and tells you he's mucked things up with a horse….

…. it's a clear sign that the form book isn't going to give you an accurate representation of what that horse is all about.... 

Henry De Bromhead has been talking about the ‘balls’ he made of ENVOI ALLEN for a while – running him over the wrong trip for most of the time….

…. at least until he sent him over 3m in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal – at the last time of asking….

That was just his second go over the 3m trip and – whilst holes can be picked in the form (especially on the clock) – he beat what was put in front of him….

…. and – in producing a career best – he looked to me like a candidate ripe for more improvement yet at the 3m trip….

This afternoon’s King George VI Chase at Kempton (2.30) is plenty competitive. I understand why Bravemansgame has been backed. So too L’Homme Presse….

But at the prices – 5s and 9/2 – I’d  rather be with the Irish horse that hasn’t quite been campaigned to best advantage, looks progressive at the trip, goes on soft and goes right-handed….

TOP VILLE BEN is a big price at 22s for the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby (1.35)….

He’s got plenty of decent course form – with 3 wins from his 7 assignments at the track….

…. he’s 10lb lower in the handicap than he was when he won this race back in 2019 as a 7yo….  

….. and he’s 6lb lower in the weights than he was when 3rd in the race last year….

Bottom line – he’s turning out on a low mark on a track he likes on the back of a single run over hurdles (that wasn’t too bad at all)….

• The last word….

That’s all for today….

I’ll be back later today with my picks for tomorrow….

Contact me direct at nick.pullen@oxonpress.co.uk  

Stay tuned.

Against the Crowd