Boxing Day tips: race-by-race guide to the action at Kempton

Nicky Henderson has landed this prize a couple of times in the past decade and has another likely candidate in ante-post favourite Noble Park, a maiden hurdler who has been transformed by the switch to chasing. 

He thumped Vanderpoel by 24 lengths at Lingfield in a good time last time (11 seconds quicker than the handicap chase winner over the same trip) and the runner-up did his bit for the form when going one better at Ascot last Friday. Noble Park’s RaceiQ data has also been eye-catching, but this race has more depth and he has been hit with an 11lb rise in the ratings. 

U Cant be Serious also arrives here seeking a hat-trick of wins, but the each-way alternative to the market leader is SECRET DES DIEUX, who won on his chasing bow at Fakenham before finishing a close third behind Mambonumberfive and Mighty Bandit off a 1lb lower mark at Newbury. 

That looks a strong piece of form – the runner-up has since gone one better in another competitive affair at that track - and Secret Des Dieux finished off best after being in rear for much of the way. The RaceiQ data tells us the pair who finished in front of him both swiped about ten lengths off him in the jumping department, so if he can jump a bit cleaner then he can surely play a part here. 

Willie Mullins has plundered most of Britain’s biggest prizes, but he’s never had the Kauto Star winner or, in truth, previously paid the race much attention. His last runner in it was a 16-1 chance, who finished fifth, a decade ago. 

That’s different this time, though, as he entered both Jimmy Du Seuil and KITZBUHEL at the five-day stage, with the latter his chosen representative. This 153-rated hurdler did the job well enough on his chasing bow over 2m 3f at Punchestown in November and there should be plenty more to come.

He let down favourite backers when tackling 3m at Aintree in the spring but he was too keen that day. And he was almost certainly past his best for the season when subsequently finishing just behind Salver at Sandown, when not seen to best advantage.

Meanwhile, Salver has taken well enough to the larger obstacles, recording a wide-margin win over 3m at Sandown last time despite the odd jumping blemish.

Wendigo alsocommands respect after his win over 2m 4f at Newbury last time. He will be suited by moving up to 3m, but whether he has the gears of Kitzbuhel is another matter. 

A race that revolves around SIR GINO, who has dazzled at this meeting for the past two years and has set the pulse racing in winning each of his six races. 

The question none of know the answer too, is whether he can pick up from where he left off after surviving a life-threatening infection and spending a year on the sidelines. Those dark days were 12 months ago, and everyone at Seven Barrows seems delighted with his wellbeing. 

As a five-year-old, he still has plenty of time on his side and the official ratings indicate he could run below par and still win. Golden Ace has a Champion Hurdle and Fighting Fifth Hurdle on her CV, but she is rated 11lb inferior. Moreover, whether she wants a sharp 2m at Kempton away from soft ground seems unlikely. 

The biggest threat may be Celtic Dino, who chased home Wodhooh at Ascot last time after landing the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Chepstow, when he had Alexei (received 7lb) and Wilful (levels) behind. 

Those efforts have plenty of substance and we know he is well served by goodish ground, which seems on the cards. 

A fabulous race is in prospect, with FACT TO FILE getting the nod. Click here for a runner-by-runner guide and verdict. 

Nicky Henderson, pictured above, has won half of the past 14 editions of this race, with none of his winners going off bigger than 7-2.

It will be interesting to see how his chosen one this time, Ionian, travels in the market. He was well held in his only point-to-point run in Ireland in the spring, fading out of contention after going off a warm favourite.

The pick of those with hurdling experience looks KLUB DE REVE and he may be the safe way to go.

He has made the frame in similar races at Newbury and Exeter, boasting an official rating of 122 after those efforts. He represents a yard who won this in 2023.

Another to note in the betting is Mount Bonette, trained by Chris Gordon, who looked a good prospect when winning a bumper at Worcester in the autumn of 2022 but has since been absent. Harry Cobden was pencilled in to ride earlier in the week but is now aboard Heron In The Park.

A competitive finale but ONEWAYWEST should make a bold bid to complete a hat-trick of wins. 

He has looked a different horse this season for the in-form Ben Pauling yard, making all for a 12-length win at Warwick on his return before breezing home off the same mark in similar style at Wetherby a week later. 

The handicapper has hit him with an 11lb rise but he won both races with any amount to spare and conditional jockey Elliott England, on board both time, again takes 7lb off. 

A feature of his victories has been his accurate jumping, with RaceiQ revealing he gained more than 13 lengths in the air last time despite again wanting to go out to his right. This track may show him in an even better light and he can stay on a roll. 

Alan King’s pair, Believitanducan and North Lodge, warrant a second look. The latter has clearly not been easy to train but he was Grade One-placed as a novice and been given a chance by the handicapper.