Leading British trainer Paul Nicholls is optimistic with his chances in this years King George VI Stakes at Kempton on Boxing Day with having two horses going to post looking to take his 10th victory in the contest.
One of the biggest problems for the Somerset based trainer is which one of his jockeys will be riding each of his two horses In Politologue and Clan Des Obeaux. However, he has confirmed that it wasn't as hard as he thought.
Sam Twiston-Davies, the ex number one jockey for the yard who is now freelancing, keeps the ride on his hearty grey Politologue for owner John Hales, whilst Harry Cobden will get the leg up on Betfair Chase fourth Clan Des Obeaux.
Nicholls see's no point in breaking up the partnerships that have worked so well for both the jockeys and the horses when they have ridden them.
(Credit At The Races) He said: “It was an easy decision and I think it basically made it itself. Harry was very happy riding Clan Des Obeaux and Sam was happy riding Politologue.
“Sam has a good relationship with Politologue, although Harry won the Tingle Creek on him. At the end of the day they are good jockeys riding good horses and it is about having harmony in the camp.
“I know Harry is very happy riding Clan Des Obeaux – in effect he has got the form in the book.
“Harry knows Sam has ridden Politologue before, so we all just worked it out together and we’re happy. It’s a team thing – it’s not about one person.”
Politologue is a general 6/1 for the King George and will be stepping up to tackle three miles over fences for the first time in his career, with Clan Des Obeaux an outsider at bigger odds at 25/1.
Nicholls said: “He has never run over three miles, but he has won over two-mile-five twice at Ascot.
“He likes going right-handed, he’s good on flat tracks and his form is red-hot now the horse he beat at Ascot (Charbel) won well in the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on Sunday.
“He is bred to stay. The other day at Ascot he travelled supremely well and I don’t see the trip being a problem.”
The trainer did feel that Clan Des Obeaux will need to improve to play a featuring role in this Grade 1, but feels Kempton will suit him better than Haydock, which is tough track especially on seasonal reapperance.
He added: “I was thrilled with Clan Des Obeaux at Haydock as at the weights he had no chance.
“He will be slightly better going right-handed as he just jumps out to his right a fraction. He has run well at Kempton before.
“I just thought the way he ran the other day he can only improve – he has to, but not massively. It is exciting to have two nice horses to run in the race.”