King George VI Chase latest CONFIRMED runners and jockey bookings with former favourite OUT of Boxing Day feature
EIGHT runners were confirmed for the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day – but already one has dropped out.
And the markets have been quick to react with the news Gordon Elliott’s Gerri Colombe will no longer run in the Christmas cracker.
His huge Gold Cup hope – who was favourite for the Grade 1 for several days – will run in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown on December 28 instead.
That means heading the market is headed by Willie Mullins’ dual Ryanair hero Allaho.
But his price looks set to shorten further with the news of Gerri Colombe’s defection.
He was as short as 6-4 to give Willie Mullins a second win in three years after Tornado Flyer’s freak 28-1 victory in 2021.
Paul Nicholls’ defending champ Bravemansgame has been ‘friendless’ in the market according to some bookies.
But the Gold Cup runner-up, who will be ridden by Harry Cobden, was the subject of some support after he was confirmed and was as short as 9-4 in places while still a best-priced 11-4 with some.
Nicky Henderson’s Shishkin, who can be nibbled at 6s with BetMGM, will have Nico de Boinville in the saddle.
Betfair Chase winner Royale Pagaille, who will be ridden by Charlie Deutsch, is a best-price 10-1.
While The Real Whacker, the only horse to ever beat Gerri Colombe, has been backed into as short as 7-1 for trainer Patrick Neville.
Irish raider Hewick is into 14s in a place – and trainer Shark Hanlon has booked the in-form Gavin Sheehan for his Sandown Grade 2 winner.
Finally, Bryony Frost looks to be fit enough to ride Frodon.
The December Gold Cup runner-up was in a hospital dash on Monday after suffering a schooling fall.
But she has been jocked up aboard the 50-1 outsider, who will complete the line-up.
Latest Paddy Power odds
11-8 Allaho
2 Bravemansgame
9-2 Shishkin
13-2 The Real Whacker
10 Gerri Colombe, Royale Pagaille
16 Hewick
50 Frodon
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