TEMPLEGATE enters the exciting Boxing Day events with optimism, anticipating several victories.

The main event, the King George, is set to commence at 2.30pm, live on ITV1… don’t miss the exhilarating Christmas Hurdle, which starts 35 minutes earlier.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas from all of us at Sun Racing – and best of luck!

IL EST FRANCAIS (2.30 Kempton, nap)

This horse shone when winning the Kauto Star last Christmas. Although he encountered a setback at Auteuil recently, he is known for bouncing back from underwhelming performances. He thrives at longer distances, will appreciate the good ground, and jumps gracefully.

POTTERS CHARM (1.05 Aintree, nb)

This horse displayed his talent by winning a Cheltenham Grade 2 by an impressive 11 lengths last time out. He was always near the front and performed admirably on the good ground. Although he is dropping in distance here, his proven speed suggests he should thrive on similar conditions. This was only his third hurdle outing, and he is expected to improve under Nigel Twiston-Davies’ guidance.

CRUZ CONTROL (1.35 Wetherby, treble)

He had a hurdle run last time as preparation for this race and looks like the one to beat. Last season, he secured significant victories at Newcastle and Aintree, competently managing this distance. A solid fourth place at the Punchestown Festival, where interference from a loose horse affected his performance, positions him favorably. His fitness from that run stands out, and racing just 4lb above his previous win should prove beneficial. He is versatile across ground conditions and has more to offer.

Templegate’s TV insights

KEMPTON

12.45

ASTA LA PASTA faced too much distance when securing third place at Newbury last time.

That was a solid third outing over fences and a good follow-up to his previous victory at Carlisle. He should sit closer to the pace today and utilize his stamina better.

Fire Flyer had a promising start over fences, finishing second at Exeter on debut for Paul Nicholls, jumping excellently while remaining on the same mark from the handicapper.

El Rio jumped well while leading at Sandown last month, handling the distance successfully and demonstrating potential for improvement under Kim Bailey. He is up 8lb in this tougher contest but has a fair chance of placing.

Range bounced back from a fall to secure an impressive win at Chepstow. Trainer Sam Thomas is in excellent form, and he shouldn’t be overlooked despite the 8lb rise in weights.

First Street has shown better results over hurdles and faced difficulties over fences under Nicky Henderson’s guidance.

Leave Of Absence returned from a two-year break with a solid second place here last month, indicating room for improvement.

1.20

THE JUKEBOX MAN showcased incredible talent in winning the Grade 2 John Francome on his chasing debut at Newbury last month.

His prior success in hurdles, highlighted by a narrow second in the Albert Bartlett, signals his quality, which he carries over to larger obstacles under Sun columnist Ben Pauling.

He is expected to improve over a longer distance and poses a significant threat to his rivals.

Masaccio finished closely behind him in Berkshire, yet there are no clear indications he can reverse the outcome here, particularly with the longer distance potentially against him.

Hyland is gradually improving for Nicky Henderson, having taken a Listed contest from the front at Cheltenham last time. His experience over this three-mile distance will serve him well, and he should show further potential.

White Rhino made a strong impression with a win in a decent handicap at Haydock recently.

He truly excels in distance events, but the faster pace today may pose a challenge.

Welcome To Cartries performed reasonably on his chase debut at Sandown but ultimately struggled later on. This contest looks more competitive.

1.55

CONSTITUTION HILL aims to reaffirm his standing as the leading contender in this race after winning it last year.

Despite facing multiple setbacks, his prior performances indicate that he significantly surpasses the abilities of any of his challengers.

He is being conditioned for peak performance in March, yet his previous victories on this track show that he thrives in favorable conditions.

Lossiemouth poses as a major challenger, benefiting from a valuable 7lb allowance for mares.

She convincingly defeated Teahupoo in the Hatton’s Grace, despite that trip not being ideal for her main rival, with ground conditions adding complexity.

Today could be pivotal for her to effectively contend against Constitution Hill. Undefeated in eight hurdle races, she is ready for this challenge.

Nonetheless, if both deliver their best, I anticipate that Nicky Henderson’s star will prevail.

Burdett Road earned his opportunity at this level following his resilient victory in the Greatwood Hurdle last time.

At just four years old, he appears set to surpass Lump Sum, who finished strong yet eight lengths behind Sir Gino last time in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle.

2.30

IL EST FRANCAIS dazzled when securing the Kauto Star here last Christmas.

Despite a disappointing outing at Auteuil last time, he has proven he can recover from uninspiring performances previously.

He maintains stamina, appreciates decent ground, and is an exceptional jumper.

He holds a slight advantage over Spillane’s Tower, who finished second to Galopin Des Champs in the John Durkan last time. Though he may prefer slightly softer ground, his class is undeniable.

Banbridge has awaited favorable ground conditions; he holds a Grade 2 win here and pushed Energumene closely last time, displaying strong potential for this longer distance.

Grey Dawning exhibited remarkable class when winning the Turners at Cheltenham last season.

Having recently endured a tough race, finishing second in the Betfair at Haydock, trainer Dan Skelton reports he is in fine form.

L’Homme Presse stands out among the leading contenders, especially with Venetia Williams performing exceptionally well, along with jockey Charlie Deutsch.

3.05

KIENTZHEIM is related to the 2020 Champion Hurdler Epatante and has been acquired by JP McManus, coming from the same trainer who cultivated that champion in her early days.

She has secured a couple of promising bumper wins across the Channel and is geared up for a strong debut for Nicky Henderson in the familiar green and gold silks.

Nap Hand has shown promise on the Flat for Alan King, winning comfortably at Newbury over 1m2f in October. He has the potential to evolve into an excellent hurdler with time.

Beau Quali slightly regressed under the Skeltons at Stratford last time after an impressive debut at Chepstow, yet he should be competitive following a brief break.

Rascallion achieved a solid second at Ludlow on his hurdle debut 31 days ago. This race presents a tougher challenge, but he could improve with a first-time hood.

Youdecide was allowed to casually finish at Newbury last time, potentially making him an intriguing each-way candidate if market support materializes.

Jack Hyde is also worth following in the betting as he returns from a lengthy 695-day absence.

3.40

DODDIETHEGREAT will be eager to return to hurdles following a disappointing chase last time, aiming for a second victory at this distance.

He thrives on good ground and races 3lb below his last competitive performance in the Greatwood Hurdle.

Nicky Henderson has clinched wins in two of the last four runnings of this event, and he appears to have two formidable candidates in East India Express, who made a successful return at Ascot just six days ago. He excels on this ground and will be a serious contender if timed right.

The other Seven Barrows runner, In The Air, has potential but faces a tougher challenge compared to his second place at Taunton last time out.

King Of The Road narrowly defeated him in Somerset and remains a solid contender in this more competitive field.

Hermino AA returned to winning form at Newbury last month. Although he prefers three-mile distances to showcase his stamina, he is still respected.

Mahons Glory triumphed in this race last season but faced tougher challenges recently, resulting in poor performances over fences. However, he should find solace returning to hurdles today.

Emailandy might have needed his last outing and can be expected to finish closer this time, while Samuel Spade and Supreme Gift have both been performing well and could contend in what appears to be an unpredictable finish.

AINTREE

1.05

POTTERS CHARM demonstrated genuine ability when winning a recent Cheltenham Grade 2 by an impressive 11 lengths.

He maintained a solid pace and thrived in good ground conditions. While he is reducing his distance here, his displayed speed indicates he can adapt well under Nigel Twiston-Davies.

Country Mile finished second in a Haydock Grade 2, and despite a less competitive outing at Prestbury Park, he won decisively. This marks just his fourth attempt over hurdles.

Roadlesstravelled outperformed him at Haydock, and his front-running technique aligns perfectly with Aintree’s layout. He should perform admirably.

Celtic Dino has effortlessly won both of his hurdle outings, showcasing exceptional pace at Ascot last time. His trainer, Sam Thomas, is in great form, although this challenge significantly raises the stakes.

Miami Magic and Junker D’Allier face tougher competition following minimal wins.

WETHERBY

1.35

CRUZ CONTROL had a preparatory outing over hurdles last time and stands as the top contender.

Last season, he claimed impressive victories at Newcastle and Aintree while confidently handling this distance.

A solid fourth place at the Punchestown Festival would have been improved if not for interference from a loose horse.

Fitness from that run at Aintree places him in a good position, racing just 4lb higher than his recent win. His adaptability across surfaces is promising for future successes.

Good Boy Bobby won this race three years ago and performed well at Haydock last time. If he has fully recovered from that challenging outing, he’ll present a threat.

Tahmuras struggled somewhat following a lengthy break at Haydock but should be fitter now and could challenge if he manages the extra distance.

Some Scope is young and displays potential for improvement following his fourth-place finish at Newcastle last time.

Kinondu Kwetu could make an impact if the weather remains stable, as he prefers good ground and races only 1lb above his last win.

LEOPARDSTOWN

2.20

BETTER DAYS AHEAD seems well-positioned to secure victory in this Gordon Elliott contest.

Having won the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham over hurdles, he appears poised to be an even better chaser; his debut win at Navan demonstrated promising jumping skills along with room for future improvement.

Croke Park has a Grade 1 victory from Fairyhouse last time and is likely to benefit from this extended distance.

He is the main competition ahead of Stellar Story, another Elliott runner, who debuted impressively at Punchestown.

Buddy One appears outmatched at this level over fences.

Templegate’s tips

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