betting
Diamond Harry the value for Boxing Day glory
By Stephen, BettingExpert.com | Edited
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Diamond Harry is the value selection to land a fascinating King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Betting Expert's runner by runner preview of the race of the season so far.........
L0NG RUN.....best price 11-8
His defeat on seasonal debut isn't really a concern given his primary target is the King George and, unlike Kauto Star, he wasn't at concert pitch for this reappearance. He is still the one to beat at Kempton all things considered but, unusually for a chaser of his calibre, Long Run's tendency to make mistakes does mean there's always a degree of risk attached in backing him, especially at short prices. This was a more than satisfactory reappearance on the figures, good enough in fact to win an average Betfair Chase, but his jumping wasn't totally convincing even before mistakes at the eleventh and thirteenth, under pressure not long after the latter but responding until lack of peak fitness appeared to tell before the last. He is a chaser of the highest order and will no doubt soon add to his haul of Grade 1 wins.
KAUT0 STAR.....best price 4-1
Had no longer seemed capable of such a top-notch performance but came back from six months off with his best effort since the 2009 King George, gaining a remarkable fifteenth Grade 1 chase win in the process. Although it was a little short in form terms of his outstanding best, to bounce back like this in the autumn of his career adds emphasis to the fact that Kauto Star is one of National Hunt's all-time greats. He was ridden differently to usual, forcing the pace with no obvious front runner in the field, and it was good to see him race so enthusiastically, jumping impeccably and lasting until two out on the bridle, then finding under pressure to see off the challenge of Long Run. It has to be said that Kauto Star was 100% prepared for the day, a point underlined by his trainer in the build up, and the feeling is that nowadays he needs more time between races than the 5 weeks before the King George.
MASTER MINDED....best price 11-2
Was much more his old self with his reappearance behind him and followed up his win in this Ascot race in 2010, jumping well and travelling smoothly waited with, sent on two out and soon in control, though needing riding out after the last and not appearing to have a lot left at the finish as Somersby rallied gamely. Stamina is the main issue for this former champion chase winner, with soft ground sure to stretch him to the limit in the straight.
CAPTAIN CHRIS....best price 9-1
0ne of last season's top novices, winner of the Arkle at Cheltenham, would have made a winning return under topweight but for unseating when taking off much too soon at the last, on terms then after looking held in fourth two out, typically finding plenty and doing well to get into a winning position in a race which was hardly run to suit. This run augured well for the demanding tasks ahead, the King George and a first try at three miles here.
DIAM0ND HARRY.....best price 11-1
Had won first time in each previous season, but this reappearance came under different circumstances, injured after his impressive Hennessy win last year, and he shaped on his debut behind Kauto Star as if the run will bring him on, going comfortably until after four out but getting tired and spared a hard race once beaten. He could yet prove more competitive in other top staying chases and his excellent stable are suddenly in blistering form. At the prices he appeals as the "value" choice in this fascinating contest.
S0MERSBY.....best price 14-1
Had much the best form chance in the race and obviously didn't show that level, being held up in last not ideal for him on a flat track at this trip, his lack of a turn of foot rather shown up as he was asked for his effort after 3 out, though also not impressing totally with his attitude for all he ended up responding to pull clear of the third. He remains with the potential to progress at 3m in the King George and does appear overpriced in relation to the more "glamourous" rivals at the head of the betting.
NACCARAT....best price 33-1
Frontrunner has been below par this season and safely held.
G0LAN WAY...best price 66-1
Frontrunning handicapper is outclassed
Stephen's Boxing Day Nap Diamond Harry 3.10 Kempton
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21.12.2011, 23:35 CET
I think this is the race of the day. There hasn't been much hype as this one is to make out. So many good horses but only one winner, i can't choose between Masterminded and Kauto Star, but Long Run will be up there too. This one is certainly one for boxing day.