The Ultimate Whacker Collection Awaits King George’s Arrival
The Real Whacker Firmly on Course for Ladbrokes King George VI Chase
Patrick Neville has reported that The Real Whacker is firmly on course for next week’s Ladbrokes King George VI Chase after a successful Tuesday morning workout. The seven-year-old impressed during his three starts over fences last season, culminating in a narrow victory against Gerri Colombe at the Cheltenham Festival.
Despite a disappointing performance in last month’s Paddy Power Gold Cup, where he carried a heavy weight and suffered an overreach, Neville remains confident in his star horse’s abilities. Following a recent gallop session at High Moor in Middleham, Neville stated, “He’s come on a lot since his last run and we’re delighted with him at the moment.”
Neville also expressed satisfaction with The Real Whacker’s recovery process after the Paddy Power Gold Cup setback. Utilizing their water treadmill facility allowed them to maintain his fitness while addressing any potential issues arising from the race.
The real challenge awaits The Real Whacker as he faces tough competition in the form of Willie Mullins’ Allaho and Paul Nicholls’ defending champion Bravemansgame. Allaho recently returned to racing following a 19-month absence and secured victory in the Clonmel Oil Chase. Bravemansgame has experienced two losses so far this season.
With uncertainties surrounding Gerri Colombe’s participation and Nicky Henderson’s Shishkin ready to make amends for refusing to start at Ascot, there is an air of unpredictability leading up to Kempton’s Boxing Day showpiece event. Nevertheless, Patrick Neville remains optimistic about their chances: “We’re very happy with our horse and that’s all we can ask.”
Weather conditions are expected to be more favorable than the heavy ground at Cheltenham, providing a better racing experience for both horses and jockeys. Sam Twiston-Davies, the designated rider for The Real Whacker, is eagerly anticipating the race after being pleased with his jumping abilities during their previous outing.
In conclusion, Patrick Neville and his team are excited about The Real Whacker’s prospects in the upcoming Ladbrokes King George VI Chase. Despite strong competition from talented rivals, they remain confident in their training regimen and look forward to taking on this exciting challenge.