tracked leader in 2nd, slight mistake 2 out, ridden to challenge and left clear last, kept on well
led, pressed 2 out, led narrowly under pressure and fell last
chased leader, 3rd halfway, no impression and mistake 4 out, moderate 4th entering straight, no extra, left 2nd last
chased leader, 4th halfway, moderate 3rd 3 out, no impression and fell last
Another very disappointing turnout for a Grade 2 but interesting nonetheless. Smokey Joe Joe's connections will be hoping for mishaps by rivals though there's still 1,200 euros for fourth place. Texas Jack is a very smart winner at this level, including this a year ago, who has been unfortunate not to land a Grade 1. He finished around 6l behind Don Cossack in the John Durkan at Punchestown last month and as that was his first start since February he should get much closer to Gordon Elliott's charge though it was another very impressive performer by the winner, who will take some beating again. Willie Mullins sent CHAMPAGNE FEVER to Kempton for the King George despite some misgivings about the trip but the plan backfired when he ran out of gas from the second last. The dual Grade 1 winner in bumpers and over hurdles is back over his optimum trip and the 2lb he receives from his main rival can swing things his way.
Don Cossack (GER) 13-8 (11-10) Settled 4th, left in lead 3rd, not fluent 3 out, pushed along before 2 out where not fluent, ridden before last, kept on well, driven out, won at Punchestown 2m 4f chs G1 (1) in Dec beating Boston Bob (11-10) by 4 1/2l, 6 ran.
Champagne Fever (IRE) 9-2 (11-10) Tracked winner, ridden 2out, faded run in, 4th of 10, 10l behind Silviniaco Conti (11-10) at Kempton 3m Grade 1 chs (4yo+) (1) gs in Dec.
Texas Jack (IRE) 8-1 (11-10) In rear, 5th at 2nd, slightly hampered and left 2nd at 3rd, closer in 2nd 5 out, pushed along after 3 out, ridden in 3rd after last, no extra and dropped to 4th near finish, 4th of 6, 6l behind Don Cossack (11-10) at Punchestown 2m 4f chs G1 (1) in Dec.
Smokey Joe Joe (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Soon led, travelling well entering straight, ridden after 2 out, strongly pressed when mistake at last, headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 2nd of 9, 2l behind Leap Dearg (11-10) at Naas 2m hcp chs sft.
