King George VI Chase 2025 Tips: Jango all the way?

Wayward Lad. Desert Orchid. Florida Pearl. Best Mate. Kauto Star. It takes a good one to win a King George - and that sentiment is especially true for the red-hot renewal we're being treated to at Kempton on Boxing Day (14:30).

Eight go to post for this Christmas cracker, and my King George VI Chase tips features one to repel the Irish challenge.

For us racing fans, there's no greater gift - a Lynx Africa set and a multipack of socks aside - at Christmas than the King George VI Chase.

And this year's renewal is simply sensational. For me, as good as any over the past 10 years. Maybe more.

That's in large part down to Willie Mullins sending Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File across the Irish Sea after the pair's ding-dong in the John Durkan at Punchestown last month.

Just a neck separated the Closutton inmates in County Kildare and there's precious little to split them on ratings, too. They're both multiple Grade 1 winners. Cheltenham Festival heroes. It's a rematch worthy of top billing on its own.

Add in the defending champ, Banbridge. Current Arkle holder Jango Baie. The Jukebox Man, who landed the Kauto Star Novices' Chase over course and distance 12 months ago. Djelo, unbeaten in a couple of Grade 2s already this season. The mercurial Il Est Francais. Master Chewy is there, too.

It promises to be a superb spectacle that's going to take plenty of winning. So, who's up to the task?

Master Chewy surely isn't. Him winning would be a bigger shock than surviving the next few days without seeing a screenshot of the 1963 Boxing Day football results.

Even if at his best, likely front-runner Il Est Francais has a bit to find. His best is far from guaranteed, too, as he's a frequent bleeder who's had more bad days than good of late. I can't see it.

I can see Banbridge running well, but I'd be surprised if he runs well enough to retain his crown. He's rising 10 years old and I thought there was very little encouragement to take from his prep run in the Hilly Way. Not for me.

Underestimate Djelo at your peril, as the seven-year-old who's also pretty unexposed at the trip is in the form of his life, but ultimately he's yet to win at the highest level and this is about as hot as it gets. I give him each-way claims, though.

I'm a big fan of The Jukebox Man and his outstanding jumping should keep him in it for a long way, but I'm afraid to say there's not a single piece of form that entitles him to be competitive in this company.

The Mullins raiders? If I had to back one, it'd be Fact To File. I think he'll reverse form with Gaelic Warrior, but I must admit I'm worried about both of them after that taxing race on soft/heavy ground just 33 days ago. I wouldn't be surprised to see either, or both, underwhelm.

The one I want to be on is JANGO BAIE for the in-form Nicky Henderson.

The six-year-old proved his Arkle victory in March was no fluke by bolting up in the 1965 Chase at Ascot last month, beating Gidleigh Park by nine widening lengths. I was seriously impressed with his performance.

You could say the race fell apart, with the reopposing Il Est Francais pulled-up, but I thought Ascot specialist Pic D'orhy did very little wrong and he was beaten 30+ lengths.

Jango Baie made him and the runner-up look bang average. He could have gone round again under Nico de Boinville, who so often gets it right on the big stage.

There ought to be more to come from this young horse, who it's important to note was having his first run following a wind op in Berkshire, at a time his trainer was in modest form.

If he stays three miles, which I'm very optimistic about, he can give Henderson his fourth King George.

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