Sam Twiston-Davies’ William Hill blog: Whacker has turned Real corner since Cheltenham

Plenty of winners to shout about which you never take for granted at this time of year. The racing is very competitive at the moment and I’m luck that the yards I’m associated with are in such good form. It was nice to get Tommie Gun’s head in front but Smiling Getaway was probably the pick of them over the last week. She had a good amount of time off the track and she jumped well, showed a good attitude and I think she’ll hopefully be one for the future.

Ascot, Friday

First up is Havaila in the handicap hurdle (2.30pm). He’s been running well on the Flat and was a very short price when he won last time out. We think he should run a nice race.

We’ve got Celtic Dino in the bumper at Ascot (3.40pm) and we’re looking forward to him. He looked really good first time out and is an exciting prospect for the future so we should learn some more about him at Ascot. He’s taking on some horses with massive reputations at Ascot and although he has a big name himself, he has to go and do it again against what looks to be an incredibly strong bunch.

Haydock, Saturday

I’m on Alfie’s Princess in the mares’ novices’ hurdle (12.55pm). She’s been fantastic and will be stepping up into Listed company. She has a great attitude, jumps well and goes on any type of ground, so we think this will be a nice race for her. Hopefully we can get some more black type.

Next up is Credo in the Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase (1.30pm). He ran a massive race last time with and finished really strongly. I’d say that the likely soft ground at Haydock suits her well, so we think she’ll run well.

Kempton, Boxing Day

Boxing Day at Kempton is a very special day of racing. Thankfully, I haven’t got anything too light to ride, so I can enjoy a bit of Christmas dinner, which everyone in the family will be pleased to know I’m not cooking!

I kick off at Kempton on Idalko Bihoue in the novices’ handicap chase (12.45pm) who’s been in good form since his win at Cheltenham. His schooling work has been good and we’re looking forward to getting him back out.

Then Kilbeg King looks like lining up in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase (1.20pm) having jumped nicely at Warwick last time out. This would be a massive step up in Grade, and it’s a hot renewal, but he’s a grand horse on his day.

I’ll be on The Real Whacker in the King George VI Chase (2.30pm). Kempton seem to have been missing a lot of the rain so it’s looking like it’ll be good ground – it’ll be interesting to see who turns up. Among many, his biggest asset is his jumping and at Kempton the jumps come quick and thick.

Paddy Neville is really happy with him and says he’s in good form at home despite bits and pieces going against him at Cheltenham las time. You can put a line through that as it didn’t really happen for him that day, but he seems to have turned a real corner since then so we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do, especially now he’s got a run under his belt.

In terms of the English competition, Bravemansgame is incredibly good, Frodon is getting on and will have to put on a massive performance, but you can never write him off. Allaho has an obvious chance if he comes over for it, as would Gerri Colombe, but I think he’s more likely to stay in Ireland if the grounds a bit easier there.