Cyrname the King?

PLENTY of scores will have been settled, and the jumps picture should be clearer, by the next time this column appears.

Cyrname (176) is my highest-rated jumper but has to go the extra distance against the likes of Clan Des Obeaux (169 when winning 12 months ago) and Lostintranslation (163 and improving fast) in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day, and I am far from convinced it will suit him.

Verdana Blue (161) has plenty in hand of her rivals in the Christmas Hurdle on the same card but could come unstuck on the ground. Epatante (148) gets a 7lb sex allowance also and that puts her ahead of Fusil Raffles (151) and within touching distance of 156-rated Ch’tibello.

A bit more straightforward, hopefully, is that Slate House (155) has comfortably the best form in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase in the anticipated absence of Angels Breath, and that 166-rated Chacun Pour Soi – the last horse to beat Defi Du Seuil – should be very difficult to beat wherever he turns up.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!