Matt Chapman tips: Why I think L’Homme Presse can give YOU the ultimate Christmas present in the King George at Kempton

“I CAN’T believe it,” exclaimed Venetia Williams when, nearly a quarter of a century ago, she won the King George with Teeton Mill.

But the trainer won’t be surprised at all if she lands today’s ITV-beamed Boxing Day showdown at Kempton with mega fancy L’Homme Presse.

PAL’Homme Presse could be the star in King George[/caption]

Teeton Mill’s win meant champion trainer Paul Nicholls was unable to follow up his King George heroics with See More Business who took it in 1997.

But since then the records of Nicholls and Williams in the Grade 1 feature have been very different.

Nicholls has gone on to collect a record 12 King Georges, while Williams remains with that sole victory.

IT’s a crackerjack of a card at Kempton with four Grade 1s and my nap goes in the first of them, the Long Walk. PAISLEY PARK (12.45) was just touched off by Champ last time but can get his revenge.

This afternoon the two have over half the field between them, with Williams relying on L’Homme Presse and Royale Pagaille , and Nicholls sending out Bravemansgame, Hitman and 2020 hero Frodon from his Ditcheat base.

Picking the winner in a race that also includes one-time monster and back-to-form Envoi Allen is hard.

And that’s because the King George is usually one for returning champions like Mandarin, Pendil, Captain Christy, Silver Buck, Wayward Lad, Desert Orchid, The Fellow, One Man, See More Business, Kicking King, Kauto Star, Silvianaco Conti and Clan Des Obeaux.

But, Frodon apart, the 2022 King George is very much about second season chasers and what might be to come rather than what has been.

As a result it’s with no great confidence I’m siding with L’Homme Presse, officially the best horse in the race with a BHA mark of 170.

The French import has been superb since sent over fences, facing only one defeat in seven tries over the larger obstacles and victories including the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Chase at Sandown and Brown Advisory at the Cheltenham Festival.

The latter contest was not the greatest renewal of all time but Charlie Deutsch’s ride is a good stayer who jumps for fun and should be bang in the mix on the back of a taking comeback win in open handicap company at Newcastle.

Bravemansgame has bundles of talent, although officially rated 6lb inferior.

Like L’Homme Presse, he flopped behind Ahoy Senor at Aintree but, other than that, has done little wrong and returned with a thumping of Eldorado Allen in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby.

He could easily prove good enough and is already a Grade 1 winner at Kempton.

Stablemate Hitman is super talented and, upped to nearly 2m6f at Haydock last time, showed what he can do with a romp.

He’s ditched by Harry Cobden but will give Sam Twiston-Davies a good spin.

Of the others, with the ground likely to soften up, Royale Pagaille could easily make the frame for Rich Ricci. The eight-year-old goes well fresh and stays strong.

Away from the excitement of the King George, we will gather in force to see the sport’s most exciting performer Constitution Hill in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle.

The brilliant Supreme and Fighting Fifth Hurdle hero should win with ease from the likes of Epatante – well beaten off at Newcastle – and old boy Sceau Royal but will still get the crowd purring.

Owner Michael Buckley has hit the jackpot with this boy trained by Nicky Henderson.

Kempton’s Boxing Day card is a right cracker, and Champ and Paisley Park go head to head once again after producing a thrilling battle at Newbury last time.

Many will say this is not the track for Paisley Park and it’s no surprise he has never raced at Kempton before as it does favour speed over stamina.

However, despite this being a small field, there are a few who like make the pace, and Paisley could just produce a flying finish under the excellent Aidan Coleman.

I’ll take the chance at reasonable odds.

The Grade 1 Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices’ Chase is also interesting.

McFabulous was far too good for Thyme Hill when they met at Newbury the other day, but the latter hardly jumped a fence fluently.

He showed in his previous chase he could hack it over the larger obstacles and I can see him getting involved close home.

I hope you had a very merry Christmas Day. But for us racing fans the fun begins this afternoon!

FREE BETS GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chases their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org  Read More