Jane Mangan’s William Hill blog: Spillane’s in great form for King George

William Hill ambassador Jane Mangan previews the Christmas action across the UK and Ireland, featuring Grade One racing from Kempton and Punchestown.

Kempton, Thursday

The King George looks like a very deep renewal, reminiscent of the years that Desert Orchid, Kauto Star, and Best Mate won the race— it looks to be one of those races that will require a Cheltenham Gold Cup-standard horse to win. There is international representation with three French horses in the field, it looks a fabulous race. My father’s horse, Spillane’s Tower, is in great form. The vibes from home are very positive, and he couldn’t be in better shape. It’s a great vote of confidence that Mark Walsh has opted to ride him, and we are very hopeful for a big run. What a Christmas gift the King George would be!

Leopardstown, Thursday

We kick off the Christmas action on the first day at Leopardstown with the Grade Two Juvenile Hurdle over two miles (1:10 pm), I was very impressed with Naturally Nimble at Fairyhouse. I think there was an overreaction regarding the favourite, Willy De Houelle, being beaten and how good Naturally Nimble was on the day. He was given a patient ride, and I believe he has more progression to offer. He’s the one for me.

The next race I’m focusing on is the Grade One Novice Chase (2:20pm) over three miles. Four runners go to post here, and I foresee a very tactical affair. Gordon Elliott has a trio of entries, and while Buddy One is a good horse, I can’t see him winning this. There are two Cheltenham Festival winners and one Grade One winner over fences in the field—it’s a strong lineup regardless of the small numbers. I like Better Days Ahead. He made the perfect start to life over fences, beating Slade Steel and Kinturk Kalanisi. I love the way he jumped. He looks to have a great attitude, and this is a big ride for Danny Gilligan. I trust him to get the job done.

Next, we have a handicap chase (2:55pm), I like One Last Tango. He has a nine-pound lower mark over fences than over hurdles, and I think we are yet to see the best of him. He goes well here, and talented conditional jockey Charlie O’Dwyer takes off a handy five pounds. He looks well-weighted to go very close. I believe he is a well-handicapped horse, and I hope he proves it!

Limerick, Thursday

The feature race at Limerick on Boxing Day is the Grade Two Jaguar Novices Hurdle (1:33pm). I was very impressed with The Big Westerner when she won her maiden hurdle at Punchestown. She must step up against more experienced opposition, but I think she could be very good. The booking of Darragh O’Keeffe is notable—he’s chosen to ride here over Leopardstown, which suggests confidence. I think she has a big future, and hopefully, that continues here.

Leopardstown, Friday

We are straight into the second day at Leopardstown with the Grade One chase for two milers (1:10pm), I am going to go against the likely favourite, Gaelic Warrior. This will be his first run back, and I think it’s a big ask against race-fit rivals. I’m opting for Found A Fifty. He finished second behind Gaelic Warrior in the Arkle, and with two runs under his belt, I think he can go well dropping back to the minimum trip. He won over course and distance last year. He has a small bit to find, but I believe race fitness and match practice will bring them closer, giving him the edge to take the win.

The Grade One novice hurdle (1:45pm) is next, I fancy Romeo Coolio to make amends. The Royal Bond was not run to suit him, they went at a slow pace, which turned into a sprint. I think he’s a high-class horse and the best of these novice hurdlers. He’s the only one I see as a genuine future Grade One winner. He was disappointing last time, but I hope he makes amends and proves his class against this field.

There’s a large field assembled for the two-mile handicap hurdle (2:20 pm), in which I like Henry de Bromhead’s Special Cadeau. He really caught my eye at Fairyhouse when he settled better than ever before. He finished strongly that day, and if he can settle again, he will go close. I see him as a well-handicapped horse off 125, and I fancy him to perform well.

The three-mile handicap chase (3:00pm) is one of the highlights of the Christmas period for punters. As usual, we have a big field of 28 runners declared and with 17 fences to navigate, this looks to be a real test. The ground will play a significant role, and I think the forecast dry conditions will suit Life In The Park. He was fourth behind Pinkerton in the Galway Plate and fourth in the Plate at Cheltenham. Rachael Blackmore would love a big winner for Henry de Bromhead over Christmas, and I think this is the horse to deliver.

Limerick, Friday

I am interested in a runner in the conditions hurdle at Limerick over two and a half miles (2:02pm), the four-year-old Karl Des Tourelles, trained by Philip Fenton. He ran very well at Fairyhouse last time, just narrowly denied. I believe there is more to come as he faces more exposed types. Tried in Grade 1 company as a novice, I think he has a lot of potential.