I had a look at the King George market this evening, and one thing struck me. Hardly any of the first twenty-or-so horses in the betting are proven at 3m in a top-end chase.
Sure, there are plenty proven at around two-and-a-half, and there are several who seem likely to benefit from being stepped-up to this trip. But there are very few who we can authoratively say have no stamina question-marks.
Top-class 2m4f horses are often touted for the King George; principally on the premis that Kempton is an 'easy' 3 miles. But does this theory hold much water?
In the last twenty years, only Edredon Bleu, Florida Pearl and One Man have emerged as winners you would describe as anything other than thorough stayers. Almost every other winner in that period had won a race (usually either a Hennessy or Gold Cup) over 3m2f.
I'm of the view that the King George is a sterner test than is usually accepted, and to that end, have had a dash on a horse with proven class and guaranteed stamina; namely Bobsworth.
It will probably need him to win the Hennessy before Kempton will come under consideration, but at odds up to 140 on Betfair, I'm prepared to test the theory.
Can lightening strike twice