King George VI Chase Ante Post Preview and Tips 2024

Whether you are celebrating St Stephen’s Day or Boxing Day, you have the busiest days racing of the year to look forward to with over 10 meetings taking place across Great Britain and Ireland.

The King George VI Chase, run over 3m at Kempton, is arguably the highlight of the day. We get to see some top Grade 1 chasers from both sides of the Irish Sea take each other on. It is fair to say that history will not remember the last 4 winners, (Frodon, Tornado Flyer, Bravemansgame and Hewick) in the same breath as legends like 5 time winner Kauto Star and at this stage, this year’s renewal does not likely to buck that trend. But at 7/1 the field for horses entered at this stage, there may be some value to be had and hopefully, our King George ante-post tips for Boxing Day will find out where that value lies.

 

What will the going be on Boxing Day for the King George?

In the last 5 seasons, the ground has had ‘good’ in the description on 3 occasions and with climate change currently delivering unseasonable conditions, one can reasonably work on the basis of a sound surface at Kempton. The track is also notoriously sharp, placing a premium on tactical speed and sharp jumping.

 

2024 King George Chase Ante-post Preview

The race has already inflicted some ante-post pain with favourite Fastorslow not even entered, and Gaelic Warrior (and seven other Mullins inmates) being scratched, leaving Willie Mullins with no entry. However, the rumour mill seems to be suggesting that Mullins’ John Durkan winner Fact to File (6/4) could be supplemented, along with the rapidly improving Spillane’s Tower. At 6/4, Fact to File makes little appeal and I suspect that Willie won’t send him to Britain before the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Spillane’s Tower (7/1) is also an unlikely runner in my eyes but I suspect Fastorslow will take his chance and will work on that basis.

Grey Dawning (8/1) and Royal Pagaille (20/1) served up a classic at the Betfair Chase and while I think the Skeleton runner has the perfect profile for the race, that was a gruelling contest at Haydock and I would be concerned with either backing up here.

While the likely good ground will be in Banbridge’s favour, he is a risky ante-post play as if there happens to be soft ground, you may not even get a run for your money.

Defending champion Hewick also falls into this category as he has often been pulled out of intended targets. If he does run, and ground is good, he has a massive chance on his defeat of Allaho and Shiskin. He could be overpriced. 

 

King George Chase Ante-Post Each Way Tips

At bigger prices, I would have a look at Ginny’s Destiny (50/1). He is well matched with Grey Dawning on previous form and 6 times the price. His prominent racing style suits the race and he gives the impression that a step up to 3 miles will bring out further improvement. His blowout in the Paddy Power Gold Cup can be forgiven first time up and with 13 wins in the race, Paul Nichols is not a negative, even with others higher up in the betting. At 50/1, if this is nominated as a likely target he is outstanding value. 

10 Months ago, it would have been unfathomable for Il Est Francais to be a 14/1 shot in the race. His performance in the Kauto Star was visually stunning, and comparisons to Kauto Star himself were favourable. However, the form of his race hasn’t worked out and I suspect there was a pace collapse. Given his blowout in Auteuil (reported burst blood vessel) he is not an ante-post play but he is certainly feared.

Envoi Allen (8/1) completely blew out in this race 2 years ago when 4/1 second favourite and while he clearly loves Down Royal, he has only won once away from there since that day. 

 

King George IV Chase 2024 Ante-post Betting Tip

So that leaves 2 contenders for me. If Fastorslow turns up (and Fact to File doesn’t) I think he will go off favourite. His 3m right-handed form at Punchestown (where he has won the last 2 Gold Cups) is a standout in this race. He was slightly disappointing in the John Durkan but 12 months prior he was a very impressive winner of that race. Again though, with his participation not certain, for the purpose of this piece, I will reluctantly look elsewhere.

If JP does not supplement Spillane’s Tower or Fact to File, it will be a massive vote of confidence in CORBETTS CROSS (7/1 with William Hill). A horse with the speed to beat Arkle runner-up Found a Fifty over less than 2m over hurdles and the stamina to win over 3m 6f at the festival.

He followed this up by stepping into open company as a Novice and putting it right up to Gold Cup runner-up Gerri Colombe. His first run of the season was a perfectly respectful second (giving over a stone to Heartwood) and we haven’t even mentioned Emmet Mullins.

At 7/1, even if there are some supplementary entries, I don’t see him being far off that price on the day and if they are not, I suspect he will go off less than half those odds. 

 

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