Willie Mullins’ Kemboy to make the Grade 1 leap at Leopardstown Savills Chase, joining the likes of Presenting Percy, Road To Respect and Anibale Fly.
The step up in grade comes off the back of the convincing Clonmel Oil Chase, seeing off Alpha Des Obeaux and A Toi Phil back in November, affirming his favourite status for that race.
It also comes after the Newbury Handicap opportunity earlier this month that was ruled out due to travel issues, missing out on the possible Ladbrokes Trophy Chase. The contention of being a favourite left it slightly more bitter when the ferry from Ireland was cancelled and didn’t want to upset Kemboy’s conditions if they were to try and get another.
Not taking that risk is the sensible option and now opens up the opportunity for an exciting race in the festive calendar.
Kemboy is now set to take the 3m at Leopardstown, on the 28th December, with a strong possibility of being able to finish at this distance. He comes in mid-division having seen off Alpha Des Obeaux previously, who races off a more outside chance.
It’s also an exciting prospect due to the 6-yo capability of going the distance in any ground. But the first fall on heavy ground at Fairyhouse in testing conditions and a longer distance is long forgotten since leading the way at Limerick, Punchestown and Clonmel.