Templegate’s Boxing Day Racing Preview and Tips
Boxing Day promises a feast of top-quality horse racing, and Templegate, Sun Racing’s expert tipster, is here to guide you through the action with his expert selections. The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the King George VI Chase at Kempton, but the Christmas Hurdle, also at Kempton, promises a thrilling encounter just 35 minutes earlier. To get Templegate’s tips first and at the best prices, join the Sun Racing Members Enclosure. Membership offers a range of benefits, including four free racing tickets annually, early access to Templegate’s tips at the best odds, an exclusive preview of “The Favourite,” insights from trainer Ben Pauling, VIP competitions, and a special offer with Coral.
Templegate’s Nap selection for Boxing Day is Il Est Francais in the King George VI Chase. Last year’s impressive Kauto Star Novices’ Chase winner at Kempton, Il Est Francais has shown the ability to bounce back from subpar performances, and Templegate believes he’s poised for another strong showing on the good ground. The Next Best selection is Potters Charm at Aintree, who displayed impressive form with an easy win in a Cheltenham Grade 2 race. Dropping in trip, Potters Charm will look to capitalize on his speed and the favorable going. Completing Templegate’s treble is Cruz Control at Wetherby. Following a recent hurdles run to sharpen up, Cruz Control appears primed to challenge for victory, with past successes at Newcastle and Aintree and a solid Punchestown Festival performance bolstering his credentials.
At Kempton, Templegate analyzes the 12:45 race, favoring Asta La Pasta, who finished strongly in third place at Newbury. Anticipating a more forward position in this race, Asta La Pasta’s stamina should prove advantageous. Other contenders include Fire Flyer, making his chasing debut for Paul Nicholls, and El Rio, a front-running winner at Sandown. In the 1:20 race, The Jukebox Man, impressive in his chasing debut at Newbury, is expected to build on that performance over a longer distance. Hyland, progressing well for Nicky Henderson, and White Rhino, a strong stayer, are also in the mix. The highly anticipated 1:55 Christmas Hurdle sees the return of Constitution Hill, whose past successes at Kempton make him a strong contender. However, Lossiemouth, with a mares’ allowance, poses a significant threat, having previously defeated Teahupoo.
The 2:30 King George VI Chase features Templegate’s Nap, Il Est Francais. Spillane’s Tower, who finished second to Galopin Des Champs in the John Durkan, and Banbridge, awaiting suitable good ground, are among the key challengers. Grey Dawning, a Turners Chase winner at Cheltenham, and L’Homme Presse, offered at longer odds, add further intrigue to the race. Subsequent races at Kempton include the 3:05, where Kientzheim, a relative of Epatante, makes his debut for Nicky Henderson, and the 3:40, where Doddiethegreat, returning to hurdles after a disappointing chase run, holds strong claims.
Moving to Aintree, the 1:05 race features Templegate’s Next Best, Potters Charm. Country Mile, a Grade 2 runner-up and subsequent winner at Cheltenham, and Roadlesstravelled, who previously beat Country Mile at Haydock, are potential rivals. At Wetherby, the 1:35 race presents Templegate’s treble selection, Cruz Control. Good Boy Bobby, a past winner of this race, and Tahmuras, returning from a break, are among the challengers. Finally, at Leopardstown, the 2:20 race features Better Days Ahead, a Martin Pipe Hurdle winner at Cheltenham, who shows promise as a chaser and is Templegate’s selection in this race. Croke Park, with a Grade 1 win under his belt, and Stellar Story, impressive on debut, are considered the main dangers.
Templegate encourages responsible gambling and advises readers to set limits and gamble only what they can afford to lose. He provides links to resources such as GamCare and Gamble Aware for further information and support.
Remember, these are just tips, and there are no guarantees in horse racing. Enjoy the thrilling Boxing Day action, and gamble responsibly.
