2024 King George VI Chase Tips - 9/2 selection for Kempton's Christmas highlight

They say that stamina isn't the most important attribute when looking for a King George winner. True, three miles around Kempton isn't nearly as taxing as the Betfair Chase or the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but the pace is usually ferocious from the get-go on Boxing Day and the slower horses who need a test of stamina often get left behind.

With little rain in the forecast, the ground at Kempton will be on the quicker side of soft and there will be no shortage of possible front-runners in this year's contest. Il Est Francais produced an electrifying performance to win the Kauto Star from the front 12 months ago. The Real Whacker will want to lead early on, and fellow supplementary entry, Juntos Ganamos has done all of his winning from the front.

In recent years, only Frodon has been able to make all and win the King George. More often than not, it's the last horse to be produced who claims victory and this year, I reckon that will be SPILLANE'S TOWER (9/2).

Jimmy Mangan's star progressed beautifully as a novice last term. Starting off over two miles, Spillane's Tower won a Grade Three at Punchestown on his first start over two-and-a-half. Mark Walsh's mount claimed his first Grade One win in the WillowWarm Gold Cup at Fairyhouse, before seeing out three miles strongly to score in the Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown.

Spillane's Tower was held up on his reappearance in the John Durkan, as Galopin Des Champs made the running. Jack Kennedy's mount made stealthy progress during the final circuit and had the leaders in his crosshairs turning for home. Spillane's Tower jumped the last alongside Fact To File but, try as he might, he couldn't claw his way to the front.

That run must be regarded as the best piece of form on offer. Fact To File and Galopin Des Champs are the first and second favourite's for the Gold Cup and Fastorslow, who was well-beaten back in fourth, is a specialist around Punchestown. What makes that performance even more impressive is that Jimmy Mangan said after the race that Spillane's Tower wasn't even fully fit, and Kennedy said his mount took a blow after jumping the last.

Spillane's Tower saw off a dour stayer in the form of Monty's Star when winning the Grade One at Punchestown, so his stamina cannot be questioned. All of his best form has come around swift, right-handed tracks and he's won Grade Ones on heavy and yielding ground. Travelling poses the only question mark for Spillane's Tower, who is yet to race outside of Ireland. If he handles the trip to Kempton well, I fancy he'll be very hard to beat.

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