The pick of the prices at Kempton & Wetherby....

Monday, 25th December 2023

The pick of the prices at Kempton & Wetherby….

Just a couple of picks for me on Boxing Day….

First up – in the King George VI Chase at Kempton (2.30)….

…. I’m having a big swing of the bat and backing HEWICK at the general 12s….

Allaho isn’t exactly proven at the trip on this quick ground….

…. Bravemansgame hasn’t really fired yet this term….

…. and Shiskin has a little doubt hanging over him given his refusal to race last time….

That could all change of course….

They’re all top horses that could come good tomorrow – and impose their undoubted class on the event….

…. but they’ve got to do it in practice rather than theory….

Meanwhile the ground has come right for Shark Hanlon’s charge….

…. and whist he might look a little outclassed by the principals on paper….

…. he ran a cracker in last season’s Gold Cup (before coming down late-on)….

…. on ground that was softer than ideal….

…. and he hadn’t really been aimed at that race….

Bottom line? He could still have more to come….

…. and it surely says something that Hanlon is targeting him at that blue riband Festival race again….

The King George is contested over 3-miles, of course – and Hewick does stay further….

…. but he doesn’t lack speed….

…. if a G2 win over 2m6f at Sandown in April is any kind of evidence…..

And he’s flexible in terms of tactics – giving rider Gavin Sheehan options….

If multiple front-running opponents want to duke it out up-front, he can drop in and come late….

He’s got to do it first time up. That’s a slight concern. But Hanlon’s pronouncements this week suggest his horse is fit and raring to go – and I think the issue is factored into the price….

I just think the 8yo’s got a big chance of outrunning his price tomorrow….

At Wetherby in the Rowland Meyrick (1.35)….

…. I’m backing HOUSTON TEXAS at the general 7s….

He’s effectively up 10lb for his win at Carlisle in November….

…. but I think there’s more to come….

Trainer Nicky Richards targeted him at the Becher in December….

….. and was pretty confident he could run a big race there….

…. but he was just too far out of the handicap at the final declaration stage (thanks to Coko Beach running off 162)….

…. and he was pulled….

If he was in with a shout there then he’s in with a shout tomorrow – and I reckon he’s underestimated as the rag in the field at 7s….

• Finally….

That’s all for today….

I’ll be back tomorrow with picks at Chepstow and Kempton ….

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

And remember – win, lose or draw – enjoy the racing….

Stay tuned….

Against the Crowd