rest of Kempton

Even without the King George, the Kempton card is of the highest quality with potential champions on view in 3 of the 5 remaining races. German-bred Bellvano (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) can kick off the programme by winning the novice hurdle at 13.45. The son of Silvano was most impressive last time, and is expected to reach the top. Although it should not be forgotten that his only defeat came when refusing to race in a bumper here, his experienced trainer and jockey should ensure that such mishaps will no longer occur. It could in any case be a huge day for Henderson, who has fancied runners in almost every event. He can win the Grade One novice chase at 14.55 with Long Run, partnered by his owner´s son Sam Waley-Cohnen, and the Christmas Hurdle at 15.30 with Binocular (McCoy). Both have something to prove today - Long Run is having his first race in Britain after a spectacular career in France, where he has won 8 of his 12 races, including two at Grade One level. He is a lso a 4yo racing against older horses, never an easy task, but receives weight from them in compensation. Binocular must make up for his disappointing run in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle, in which he finished only 5th behind Go Native (Noel Meade/ Davy Condon), who will put himself in line for a million pound bonus if he can win today and follow up at Cheltenham. In our personal view, the Newcastle form is not reliable, as the race was run at a false pace, and we expect Binocular to put matters right today.