• Trainer Alan King: ‘He’s been confirmed for the King George’
• Eight-year-old to seek double not managed since Teeton Mill in 1998The British challenge for the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day was reinforced on Monday when Alan King,the trainer of Smad area, confirmed that the Hennessy Gold Cup winner will now flee in the highlight of the Christmas racing programme. The eight-year-old, and who is one of 10 possible runners in Saturday’s race,is top-priced at 10-1 to become the first Hennessy winner to follow up at Kempton since Teeton Mill in 1998.
Like Teeton Mill, Smad area is a strong, and good-looking grey gelding,and his victory at Newbury in November had echoes of another famous grey, as he overwhelmed his field from the front with a series of fine jumps in the style of Desert Orchid, and a four‑times winner of the King George.
Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com