'Kempton will give us a guide towards his Gold Cup credentials'

Banbridge is poised to tackle three miles over fences for the first time since his point-to-point days, in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on St Stephen’s Day.

Trainer Joseph O’Brien, is hoping his outing in the Christmas Grade 1 will reveal whether the eight-year-old harbours the stamina to take him to the heights of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.

Stamina test

While disappointing on his seasonal reappearance in the Fortria Chase at Navan last month, Banbridge was running a huge race in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork, challenging dual Champion Chase winner Energumene, before unseating Richie Deegan at the final fence. The talented chaser emerged from the incident unscathed and connections are looking forward to his next appearance.

Joseph O’Brien was talking recently to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Leopardstown Christmas Festival and Kempton betting:

“Kempton will give us a guide towards his Gold Cup credentials. Obviously it’s a more extended race than what he’ll meet at Kempton and how far we can stretch his stamina remains to be seen.” He said.

“Maybe from Kempton we will go to Aintree but truly we’ll get to the King George in one piece and then discuss his plans after that.”

Lark In The Mornin back on track

Stablemate and Cheltenham Festival winner, Lark In The Mornin, has been absent from the track since May when he was seen finishing fifth in the Swinton Hurdle at Haydock. The lightly-raced four-year-old is likely to be back in action over Christmas.

“Having won the Fred Winter at Cheltenham, he then suffered a little setback after going to the UK for a handicap which meant he had the summer off.” O’Brien said.

“But he comes back now, and is likely to be seen over Leopardstown at Christmas for his reappearance, likely in a handicap hurdle.”

Horses to follow

Nurburgring, has shown exceptional versatility having won the Galway Hurdle followed by a 4th in the Irish Cesarewitch and most recently, a couple of placed efforts over fences.

“I would say that it’s likely he will stick to chasing, because he’s a young horse and shown enough so far to suggest he has a future when he gets the hang of fencing.”

O'Brien also highlighted an exciting three-year-old hurdler who will run over the festive period and was last seen winning a Grade 3 Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse. The progressive youngster holds an entry in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.

“Naturally Nimble looks like a smart horse and he’ll go to Leopardstown for the Grade 2 race, coming off the back of a Grade 3 win last time.” said O'Brien.