King George VI Chase 2013

3.10 Kempton

William Hill King George VI Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £113,900

Advice: 2 pts win , 1 pt place Al Ferof (5/1 Hills, 8/11 general)

Ante Post: 1 pt each/way Al Ferof, 2014 Gold Cup (16/1 Stan James, unquoted elsewhere, 20^th March 2013), 1 pt Al Ferof to win today and Gold Cup (33/1 general)

Al Ferof: Supreme Novice Hurdle winner in 2010 (exceptional renewal); who took to fencing well after that before disappointing in the Spring, trying to go too fast too soon in Arkle and blundering chance away before disappointing at Aintree; Looked an improved horse for greater test of stamina when a game winner of brutal Paddy Power Gold Cup off 159 (2m5f, soft); Injury ruled him out of all last season but looked in decent fettle when seeing off overmatched rival in match at Ascot and still retains huge potential for first try at 3 miles while form stacks up well; Can go well.

Champion Court: Good second season chaser last year, with one of his best efforts being fourth in this last year (17 lengths behind Long Run); Well behind in Ryanir before winning limited handicap but slightly disappointing in Paddy Power and while he returned to form latest, more needed here.

Cue Card: Quietly fancied for this last year but never going in ground; Finally realised massive promise as a chaser in open company with pair of wide margin Grade 1 wins over 2m5f last season in Ascot Chase and then Ryanair before getting as close to Sprinter Sacre as any last year, and new career best when going from front to romp to Betfair Chase when last seen (Dynaste, Silviniaco Conti, Long Run well in arrears); That form gives him a cracking chance and must go close here although would want ground to be as decent as possible (deluge hitting UK) and improvement can be expected from those behind in Betfair).

Dynaste: One of last year’s best novice chasers, romping home with Feltham over C&D before Cheltenham Festival disappointment (was a clear cut winner at Aintree time after); Came to challenge Cue Card 2 out at Haydock and was seen of in emphatic fashion although this course might suit him more and could come on for first run of the season so realistic contender.

Long Run: Feels like he’s been around forever and hit his peak despite being just 8; Took his second King George in gamest of fashions when clawing back Captain Chris in last stride last year here (ground was heavy) before fine efforts in Cheltenham and Punchestown Gold Cup afterwards; Not been close to that form this season, amiss when a well beaten fifth at Wetherby before being miles behind in Betfair Chase; Headgear change needs to spark revival.

Menorah: Would have to be given a chance on his second to First Lieutenant at Aintree but not seen since his second to Champion Court afterwards which could be counted as a negative; Winner at this meeting last year when landing eventful rescheduled Peterbrough Chase but more needed.

Mount Benbulben: Taken some time to find his feet chasing but when everything came together he was spectacular at Punchestown Festival; Moving into contention when falling four out in JN Wine Chase at Down Royal, but one of what have been many numerous mistakes saw him unseat; Serious potential still at 3 miles and more but worry his jumping will let him down in this far more exalted company.

Riverside Theatre: a very high class horse who hadn’t been quite the same since epic Ryanair win at 2012 festival; First real run to form since when landing Peterborough Chase thanks to brilliant Barry Geragthy ride but thrown in at the weights and previous two attempts at this have ended in failure; First headgear might keep him closer to proceedings but not sure that he wants

Silviniaco Conti: Made into a serious Gold Cup contender when winning Charlie Hall and Betfair Chases and was going swimmingly when falling 3 out at Festival; Understandable that he wasn’t at best when beaten at Aintree but felt a little limp when only third in Betfair Chase; That said, expected to come on greatly for it and should be well involved at the tail end here.

VERDICT: The traditional feature of the Xmas period for many and a crucial piece of the Gold Cup puzzle after the Betfair Chase saw brilliance and disappointment in equal measure. Cue Card looked untouchable that day and will take all the catching again, with Dynaste, Silvinaco Conti and Long Run all having to find serious improvement to reverse form. However he might face more opposition for the lead and wouldn’t want the ground to be any worse than it is now given his limp showing in this last year when it was run on heavy ground and AL FEROF is a fascinating contender stepped upto 3 miles for the first time, a move that could be the making of him based on his Paddy Power Gold Cup win on heavy ground gained last November, while he’s also bred to come into his own at this trip. Mount Benbulben has been on the radar for many but has shown some significant jumping issues.