Run over three miles of the Sunbury-On-Thames track this grade one chase has been won by many greats over the years with trainer Paul Nicholls doing particularly well having trained the winner no less than twelve times including with Kauto Star a record five times. Below, I’ll run through the and my top horse racing tips for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase.
Ladbrokes King George VI Chase Runners
Ahoy Senor
A decent novice last season winning three times but was put in his place by Bravemansgame in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase on this card last year and has been disappointing on both runs this season. He’s been let down by his jumping on occasions. Trained in Scotland by Lucinda Russell and has something to prove here.
Bravemansgame
Highly likeable seven-year-old trained in Ditcheat by Paul Nicholls who saddles three in a race he’s done so well in. Won five of his six chasing starts with his only defeat coming at Aintree at last year’s Grand National meeting when running too bad to be true. Was pulled out on the morning of the Cheltenham Festival last season when the ground went heavy so wouldn’t want very soft ground. Impressive when winning on seasonal re-appearance in Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby and Harry Cobden’s pick ahead of Hitman.
Eldorado Allen
Trained by Joe Tizzard he wasn’t disgraced on his re-appearance when a 3 1/2L second to Bravemansgame at Wetherby and now 3lb better off. He never looked likely to get to the winner today and will need to improve to turn the tables on him. Firmly put in his place since at Aintree by Protektorat.
Envoi Allen
Looked a horse of immense talent between 2019 and 2021 winning twelve on the bounce. Joined Henry De Bromhead from Gordon Elliott and has taken a while to re find his smart form. Appeared to enjoy the step up to three miles at Down Royal in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase on his re-appearance and remains unexposed at this trip. The second highest rated in the race and holds a definite chance.
Frodon
One of three contenders for champion trainer Paul Nicholls. Won a messy renewal of this race back in 2020. Was well handicapped when winning the Badger Beer Handicap Chase at Wincanton on his re-appearance but outclassed behind Protektorat since at Aintree. Always ridden by Bryony Frost but rising eleven years of age now and will be a shock were he to win again.
Hitman
Yet another runner from the Paul Nicholls stables in Ditcheat in Somerset. Only six years old and arrives in decent form having won at Haydock last time out over 2m 5 1/2F. Steps up to three miles for the first time today but has been deserted by Nicholls’ stable jockey Harry Cobden who rides Bravemansgame. Stamina to prove.
L’Homme Presse
Trained by Venetia Williams and officially rated the highest of the nine runners. Won six of his seven starts over fences and carried a welter weight to victory on re-appearance in a handicap at Newcastle a month ago. Soft ground suits and if handling the sharp flat track should go very close with regular pilot Charlie Deutsch riding.
Millers Bank
The lowest rated of the nine and would need several of these to under perform to even hit the frame. Trained in Northamptonshire by Alex Hales and ridden today by Jonathan Burke. Wears first time cheek pieces here. Hard to fancy.
Royal Pagaille
The second of Venetia Williams’ runners. Not seen for 263 days but long absences are not usually an issue with his trainer. Won the Peter Marsh Handicap last January and wasn’t totally disgraced in the Cheltenham Gold Cup when 5th beaten 18L to A Plus Tard. All five of his career wins have come in soft and heavy so if ground conditions were to deteriorate further could run well at a tasty price.
Ladbrokes King George VI Chase Tips
A very good renewal which may rest between the front three in the market. L’Homme Presse is the highest rated but on a track that suits may have to play second fiddle to Paul Nicholls’ Bravemansgame. Nicholls loves this race having won it a record dozen times and his main representative is a slick jumper who impressed at this meeting a year ago. The Irish have a poor record in the race (one win the last ten years) but have a solid chance with Envoi Allen whilst the best outsider were the ground to soften anymore maybe Venetia William’s second string Royale Pagaille.
Selection: Bravemansgame
Each Way Value: Royal Pagaille
