Kempton clues and track form point way

Only focus on those who recorded a top-two finish last time out unless they ran in the King George

Min was a fourth winner in five years for Ireland 12 months ago and a third in that period for Willie Mullins. Before that, the Ryanair was dominated by the home team, and the race where you found the winner was nearly always the King

George. It hasn’t seemed to matter how they run at Kempton; the likes of Imperial Commander, Albertas Run, Cue Card and Dynaste were all well beaten on Boxing Day but a few months later came good here.

In more recent years, the best guide has been the previous season’s Marsh Novices’ Chase. Five of the last seven winners took part in the Grade 1 novice.

Track form is very important. Of the last 31 horses to finish in the first two in the Ryanair, 23 were course winners. That list did not include Min, who had been twice second to Altior at the festival.

Verdict

Saint Calvados ran Min to a neck in last year’s race and he comes into this having finished fourth in the King George over Christmas. That’s the type of form we’re looking for. Fakir D’oudairies comes out best for the Irish.