King George VI Chase BettingChoice Preview

THEREALBANDIT, something of a forgotten horse due to the hype surrounding stable companion Our Vic, can propel himself back into the limelight by landing the Stan James King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> An indifferent performance in the Gold Cup in March and a lacklustre effort over timber on his seasonal reappearance, and, seemingly, Therealbandit was no longer considered to be the 'real deal'. Remember, this is the same horse that was tanking along and bearing down on the brilliant, and sadly ill fated, Jair du Cochet in the Pillar Chase, holding every chance before falling at the fourth last. His next assignment, the Gold Cup, simply came too early in his career given that it was just his fourth start over fences. However, his mere participation in that contest reflects how well regarded he is by trainer Martin Pipe. Admittedly, his reappearance run was poor; but the seven-year-old bounced back when beating Royal Auclair at <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Cheltenham last time. That rival had shown himself to be in fine fettle prior to that race by landing the Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton before finishing second in the Hennessy Gold Cup, so the form locks rock-solid. Therealbandit's chance has been underestimated, particularly by Coral and the sponsors Stanley Bet, both whom are offering 8-1 about the David Johnson-owned gelding. There is conjecture that a horse that stays two miles around Cheltenham will get three miles at Kempton; however, this is not the case. Of course, the unique undulations of Cheltenham are far more taxing than the sharp twists and turns of Kempton. But, if you look at the last 10 winners of this race - the roll of honour includes Best Mate (2002), Florida Pearl (2001), First Gold (2000), See More Business (1997 & 99) - you will note that this race is generally won by a horse proven over the three-mile trip. Sure, Edredon Bleu was not a proven stayer when prevailing last year, but, as horses get older - and Edredon was 11 at the time - they need a stiffer test of stamina to negate any shortfalls in the pace department. Without detracting from the performance of Henrietta Knight's charge that day, it was hardly a vintage renewal given that the two least exposed types, Jair du Cochet and Valley Henry, both failed to complete. With this in mind, Azertyuiop, who looked tired when winning over an extended two miles and one-furlong at Exeter last month, would be well worth opposing should he line up for this rather than taking up a more suitable engagement in the Castleford Chase at Wincanton on the same day. A bigger danger to will be Azertyuiop's stable companion Le Roi Miguel, who looked an improved performer when landing the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon last time. He merits plenty of respect, although his stamina is suspect too. Kicking King was mightily impressive when running his rivals ragged at Punchestown last time. He jumped like a stag and was never in any danger, coasting home 11l clear of Rathgar Beau, who is a good horse in his own right. Indeed, Kicking King is still relatively lightly raced and could well be good enough. But, despite connections being confident that he will fully see out the three-mile trip, I have reservations and the Irish raider represents no value at all at around the 5-2 mark. Kingscliff remains something of an unknown quantity and, if fit enough to do himself justice following a 351-day absence, he could make his presence felt, while last year's runner up Tiutchev is no back number, despite his advancing years, and could well reach the frame again.