Paul Nicholls is comfortable Bravemansgame is as ready as he may be for his subsequent step into the “huge boys’ league” within the King George at Kempton.
The star chaser has been aimed on the Boxing Day characteristic ever since he beat Ahoy Senor within the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase on the identical card 12 months in the past.
A powerful show within the Charlie Corridor at Wetherby in October cemented his place on the prime of the market and he’s now a normal 6/4 favorite.
The champion coach stated: “Bravemansgame most likely deserves to be favorite as he has gained this yr and he has gained the Kauto Star across the monitor and he appears to be progressing, however on the finish of the day they do not know what worth they’re.
“He gained at Kempton final yr and the monitor fits him nicely, a flat right-handed monitor. I’ve at all times thought this is able to be Bravemansgame’s goal ever since he gained the Kauto Star final yr. He has at all times been ready for it.
“It most likely is his hardest take a look at as he gone via his novice races and he has gained his first race out of novice firm this yr. He’s now into the massive boys’ league within the largest race there may be over Christmas.”
Twiston-Davies in for the experience on Hitman
Nicholls has confirmed Sam Twiston-Davies will experience Hitman within the race with steady jockey Harry Cobden preferring the claims of favorite Bravemansgame.
With Twiston-Davies, a former steady jockey at Ditcheat himself, having stepped into the breach to experience Clan Des Obeaux to win the 2019 King George when Cobden rode Cyrname, connections of Hitman, lots of whom are concerned with Clan Des Obeaux and embrace Sir Alex Ferguson, have reached out for a well-recognized pair of arms.
Sam Twiston-Davies is available in for the experience on Hitman
There will likely be a 3rd runner from the Somerset yard within the race, a earlier winner in Frodon. His typical companion Bryony Frost is at present on the sidelines with a damaged collarbone. Whereas she hopes to be match, Nicholls has nominated Lorcan Williams as her substitute if not.
Nicholls stated: “Harry will experience Bravemansgame, Sam Twiston-Davies will experience Hitman and Bryony will experience Frodon assuming she is match, if not Lorcan Williams will experience Frodon. He’s sitting there as a primary reserve.
“Lorcan rode Hitman final season, however Sam has gained huge races for Ged (Mason) and Sir Alex. Harry, for the time being, would not get off Bravemansgame to get on Hitman as he has gained these Grade Ones on him and he’s very comfortable to experience him.
Paul Nicholls poses along with his three King George contenders Frodon, Bravemansgame and Hitman. Credit score: The Jockey Membership/John Hoy
“He solely would not experience him if he did not run. Hopefully all the pieces goes proper subsequent week and we look ahead to the massive day. Whether it is good to smooth floor or smooth floor will probably be excellent.”
Whereas Hitman’s class isn’t doubtful, his stamina maybe is and Nicholls stated: “It’s the unknown [going three miles], in fact it’s. We all know Bravemansgame will get the three miles nicely at Kempton and he hasn’t but, however he bought the journey nicely at Haydock the opposite day and I believe he’s crying out for this journey.
“I believe thus far he most likely hasn’t been man sufficient or robust sufficient to get the journey, however he’s prepared now.”
As for Frodon, one of the crucial common horses within the yard, Nicholls stated: “He gained the race two years in the past, however he’s not getting any youthful.
“He was by no means proper final season after he ran at Down Royal, however a variety of ours weren’t proper within the spring. He bought injured within the Ultima as he bought jumped into.
“He had a pleasant break, got here again and gained the Badger Ales Chase at Wincanton. I ran him too quickly within the Betfair Chase however we went up there to choose up some prize cash.”
