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TEMPLEGATE is looking forward to the exciting Boxing Day races with great optimism, hoping to achieve several victories.
The highlight of the day, the King George, is set to commence at 2.30pm, airing live on ITV1… but don’t miss the exhilarating Christmas Hurdle starting 35 minutes prior.
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Wishing you a Merry Christmas from all of us at Sun Racing – and best of luck!
IL EST FRANCAIS (2.30 Kempton, nap)
This horse displayed brilliance when winning the Kauto Star last Christmas. Although he faced a setback at Auteuil last time, he has a history of bouncing back from underwhelming performances. He relishes longer distances, will benefit from the good ground, and jumps excellently.
POTTERS CHARM (1.05 Aintree, nb)
This horse proved his mettle by winning a Cheltenham Grade 2 by a comfortable 11 lengths on his last outing. He remained in the lead throughout and excelled on good ground. Although he’s running a shorter distance here, his evident speed should aid his performance. This marks only his third race over hurdles, and under the guidance of Nigel Twiston-Davies, he has room to improve.
CRUZ CONTROL (1.35 Wetherby, treble)
He had a hurdles run last time to prepare for this race, and appears to be the one to beat. Last season, he earned significant victories at Newcastle and Aintree, showing he can handle this distance well. A strong fourth at the Punchestown Festival, where a loose horse affected his run, sets him up nicely. Coming in just 4lb above his last winning weight should be beneficial. He adapts well to various ground conditions and has more to offer.
Templegate’s TV analysis
KEMPTON
12.45
ASTA LA PASTA extended too much distance to his competitors when finishing third at Newbury last run.
That performance solidified his progression over fences and was a good follow-up to his prior win at Carlisle. He is expected to be closer to the pace today, maximizing his stamina effectively.
Fire Flyer had an encouraging start over fences, finishing second on debut for Paul Nicholls, and jumped excellently while remaining unchanged by the handicapper.
El Rio jumped well when leading at Sandown last month, handling the distance successfully and displaying potential for improvement under Kim Bailey. He has been raised 8lb in this more competitive race but has a fair chance of placing.
Range bounced back from a fall to win convincingly at Chepstow, and trainer Sam Thomas is in excellent form, making him a contender despite an 8lb increase in weight.
First Street has shown better results over hurdles and faced challenges over fences under Nicky Henderson’s guidance.
Leave Of Absence made a strong return after a two-year break with a solid second place here last month, indicating room for further improvement.
1.20
THE JUKEBOX MAN displayed remarkable talent in winning the Grade 2 John Francome on his chasing debut at Newbury last month.
His earlier success in hurdling, highlighted by a close second in the Albert Bartlett, proves his quality, which he successfully carries over to larger obstacles under the guidance of Sun columnist Ben Pauling.
He is likely to excel over a longer distance and poses a notable threat to his competitors.
Masaccio finished closely behind him in Berkshire, but there are no evident signs suggesting he can turn the tables here, especially as the longer distance may not favor him.
Hyland is steadily improving under Nicky Henderson, having bagged a Listed win from the front at Cheltenham in his last outing. His experience over three miles is advantageous, and he’s expected to show further potential.
White Rhino impressed with a solid win in a good handicap at Haydock last time.
He truly stays well, but the faster pace today may challenge him.
Welcome To Cartries performed decently on his chase debut at Sandown but faded towards the end. This race seems notably more competitive.
1.55
CONSTITUTION HILL is anticipated to reaffirm his dominance in this race after securing victory last year.
Despite various setbacks that have sidelined him, his previous performances showcase that he overwhelmingly outmatches his competitors.
He is being prepared to peak come March, yet his past victories on this track indicate he thrives in favorable conditions.
Lossiemouth stands out as a significant challenger, benefiting from a valuable 7lb allowance for mares.
Her win against Teahupoo in the Hatton’s Grace was decisive, although that race’s conditions complicated matters for her main rival.
Today could be crucial for her to mount a genuine challenge against Constitution Hill. Undefeated in eight hurdle races, she is well-equipped for this competition.
However, if both perform at their peak, I’m predicting that Nicky Henderson’s standout horse will emerge victorious.
Burdett Road earned his place at this level after a tenacious win in the Greatwood Hurdle last time.
At just four years old, he appears ready to surpass Lump Sum, who finished strong yet eight lengths behind Sir Gino in the last Fighting Fifth at Newcastle.
2.30
IL EST FRANCAIS shined with his Kauto Star win last Christmas.
Despite a disappointing outing at Auteuil last time, he has shown resilience in bouncing back from poor performances.
He has stamina, enjoys good ground, and is a phenomenal jumper.
He holds a slight advantage over Spillane’s Tower, who finished second to Galopin Des Champs in the John Durkan last time. Though he prefers slightly softer ground, his class remains unquestionable.
Banbridge has been waiting for favorable ground conditions; he holds a Grade 2 win here and nearly outperformed Energumene last time, showing promise for this longer distance.
Grey Dawning showcased immense ability by winning the Turners at Cheltenham last season.
Following a tough race in which he finished second in the Betfair at Haydock recently, trainer Dan Skelton reports he’s in fine form.
L’Homme Presse stands out among the leading contenders, particularly with Venetia Williams’s strong performance alongside jockey Charlie Deutsch.
3.05
KIENTZHEIM is related to the 2020 Champion Hurdler Epatante and has been bought by JP McManus, coming from the same trainer who developed that champion in her early career.
She secured a couple of promising bumper wins across the Channel and is set to make a strong debut for Nicky Henderson in the iconic green and gold colors.
Nap Hand has shown promise on the Flat for Alan King, winning easily at Newbury over 1m2f in October. With time, he has the potential to evolve into an exceptional hurdler.
Beau Quali slightly declined under the Skeltons at Stratford last time after a solid debut at Chepstow, but after a brief break, he should be competitive.
Rascallion achieved a strong second place at Ludlow on his hurdle debut 31 days ago. This race presents a tougher challenge, but he could improve with a first-time hood.
Youdecide was allowed a leisurely finish at Newbury last time, and could be an interesting each-way option if market support materializes.
Jack Hyde is also worth watching in the betting as he returns from a lengthy 695-day layoff.
3.40
DODDIETHEGREAT will be eager to return to hurdles after a disappointing chase last time, seeking victory over this distance for the second time.
He thrives on decent ground and races 3lb below his last competitive outing at the Greatwood Hurdle.
Nicky Henderson has claimed victory in two of the last four editions of this event and seems to have two strong candidates in East India Express, who made a successful return at Ascot just six days prior. He excels in these conditions and could contend if the timing aligns well.
The other Seven Barrows runner In The Air has hopeful prospects, but this race is expected to be more competitive than his second at Taunton last time out.
King Of The Road narrowly defeated him in Somerset and remains a solid candidate in this stronger field.
Hermino AA recently returned to winning form at Newbury last month. Although he prefers a three-mile distance to showcase his stamina, he is still highly regarded.
Mahons Glory won this race last season but has faced tougher challenges lately, resulting in unsatisfactory performances over fences. He should find comfort returning to hurdles today.
Emailandy appeared to need his last outing and can be expected to finish closer this time, while Samuel Spade and Supreme Gift have also shown solid form, suggesting they can contend in what seems to be a highly competitive finish.
AINTREE
1.05
POTTERS CHARM displayed real skill in his recent win at Cheltenham Grade 2 by an impressive 11 lengths.
He maintained a steady pace and thrived in good ground conditions. Although he’s shortening his distance here, his demonstrated speed indicates he can adapt effectively for Nigel Twiston-Davies.
Country Mile finished second in a Haydock Grade 2, and despite a less impressive outing at Prestbury Park, he won decisively. This marks just his fourth attempt at hurdles.
Roadlesstravelled defeated him at Haydock and his front-running style should suit Aintree well. He’s likely to perform admirably.
Celtic Dino has won both of his hurdle runs effortlessly, displaying great pace at Ascot last time. Trainer Sam Thomas is in top form, yet this challenge significantly raises the stakes.
Miami Magic and Junker D’Allier face tougher competition after limited wins.
WETHERBY
1.35
CRUZ CONTROL had a preparatory outing over hurdles last time and is regarded as the leading candidate.
Last season saw him secure notable victories at Newcastle and Aintree while effortlessly navigating this distance.
A strong fourth at the Punchestown Festival only enhances his profile, particularly given the interference from a loose horse.
He’s fit from that run at Aintree and races just 4lb higher than his recent win. His ability to handle any surface is a promising indicator for future success.
Good Boy Bobby claimed this race three years ago and showcased a competitive effort at Haydock last time. If he has fully recovered from that challenging performance, he’ll pose a threat.
Tahmuras struggled after an extended break at Haydock but should be sharper now and poses a risk if he manages the increased distance.
Some Scope is young and has room for improvement based on his fourth-place finish at Newcastle last time.
Kinondu Kwetu could make his presence felt if the weather remains stable since he favors good ground conditions and is just 1lb above his last victory.
LEOPARDSTOWN
2.20
BETTER DAYS AHEAD looks primed for a victory in this Gordon Elliott contest.
Having excelled in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham over hurdles, he seems set to be an even better chaser; his winning debut at Navan showed promising jumping skills paired with the potential for further improvement.
Croke Park already holds a Grade 1 victory from Fairyhouse last time and is likely to appreciate this extended distance.
He presents the main challenge against Stellar Story, another Elliott contender, who began impressively at Punchestown.
Buddy One appears overmatched at this level over fences.
Templegate’s recommendations
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