Horse Racing news Tuesday 22nd December 2020

I was heartened to read this morning Paul Nicholls talking about Clan Des Obeaux's preparations for Saturday's (Boxing Day) Grade One Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton "The Betfair Chase was probably one of Clan's best runs. He was fit and well for that race and has recovered well. He schooled this morning with Sam [Twiston-Davies] and he's ready to go. Everyone keeps asking me who I think has got the best chance and truthfully I think there is nothing between them. Clan maybe has the advantage because he has the track record and has won the last two runnings, but Cyrname loves Kempton and we're in a completely different place to where we were last year. He'll be very dangerous." I am of course on Clan Des Obeaux at 2-1 and certainly think he has advantage. 

Epatante will face a maximum of six rivals when she bids for back-to-back victories in the Grade One Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on the same day. 

Nicky Henderson reports Altior on course to make his much anticipated return in the Grade Two Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton on Sunday; he has 9lb+ on official ratings over the rest of the field and it should be s fairly simple assignment, though no doubt he will be priced appropriately!

Be lucky