King George and victor chandler

First post and I shall talk about a race a while ago on boxing day, of course I refer to the King George at Kempton, the feeling of cheering home Kauto Star can not possibly be put into words as he breaks Desert Orchid's record in the race by landing his 5th win in the King George. However for me there is an underlying factor, not the terrible news of Master Minded sustaining a career threatening injury (to which I wish him a speedy recovery) but my point is about Somersby who seemingly cruised into the home straight and weakened. But it seems there is more to it than meets the eye, if you watch carefully it appears that Somersby's saddle slipped, not forward but backwards towards his hind legs. This happens just after the back straight before they turn for home. In this light we should be praising jockey Dominic Elsworth for remarkably staying aboard the horse to finish a more than respectable fourth.

Onto future racing and the victor chandler chase at ascot, I find it hard that there is any value in backing al ferof (a novice) at 5/2 after his form from the Henry 8th novice chase from sandown hasn't really sparkled with for non stop (2nd by half a length) comprehensively beaten by cue card at Newbury. If Nicky Henderson has him right the winner could well be last years Arkle runner up finians rainbow, after making a terrible mistake at Kempton in the desert orchid chase it looked his chance was all but gone, however under a more than cool Barry Geraghty and a strong late finish he got up to catch wishful thinking (who made an identical mistake at the same fence) just after the last fence with last years grand annual winner and haldon gold cup third Oiseau de nuit back just out of the placings in 3rd. On that form and no Master Minded it seems Finians Rainbow is the one to beat.