I THINK most racing fans might be looking forward to St Stephen’s Day more than Christmas Day itself. The 32Red King George VI Chase at Kempton is always a race to savour, especially during the Kauto Star years, and this year it is no different.

There might only be five runners, but it’s a high-quality contest with the likes of the improving and supplemented Josses Hill, the dual winner of the race Silviniaco Conti, and Tea For Two, who won the Grade 1 for novices on the card last year.

But, of course, everyone is focussing on the Colin Tizzard-trained pair of Cue Card, the hero last year, and Thistlecrack, the horse everyone is talking about.

Bookmakers are finding it difficult to split the pair and I think the small field is a really big plus for Thistlecrack. This is his first season over fences and he’s been flawless so far, but that’s been in novice races only.

To step out of that company straight into a race like the King George would normally be a massive leap, with a big field going flat out for three miles, during which jumping will be all important. But this smaller field should allow Thistlecrack to find his rhythm and he can always keep out of trouble and do his own thing.

And then you look at Cue Card, who enjoyed a quite brilliant season last year. He’s been there, done it and is proven in every area. He showed he’s just as up for it as he was last year, to judge by his Betfair Chase win.

I wouldn’t like to choose between them. Actually, scrap that I would love to have the choice!

If I was to pick, then I would go with Cue Card, who I’ve been a fan of from the start of his career. He’d be the safer, proven choice, but it’s a race to really savour and a mighty difficult call.

SIZING UP

I’ve got two rides on the card. Sizing Tennessee runs in the 32Red.com Chase, having run really well on both his starts at Cheltenham this season. He jumped a little right last time so I’m hoping Kempton will suit him more. I’ve been very impressed with him and the form of his two runs looks strong. I am really looking forward to getting back on him.

Doesyourdogbite puts his unbeaten record on the line in the 32Red On The App Store Handicap Hurdle. I thought he might have a bit fortuitous to win on his first run over hurdles at Market Rasen. The two favourites of the four-runner race unseated and ran out and he was kind of gifted the race.

However, he showed it might not have been a fluke as he won a competitive race at Hereford next time at 25-1. This is his first run in a handicap and I don’t think the handicapper has been too kind to him, but hopefully he can vindicate his handicap mark.

The other highlight on the card is the 32Red.com Christmas Hurdle. Like Cue Card, I would side with the proven horse, The New One, who looked as good as ever when winning at Cheltenham last time.

He is 10lb clear of the favourite Yanworth on official ratings. Yanworth obviously has the potential and could be a real star but I wonder if this two miles might be a bit sharp for him,

Have a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year!

Aidan is sponsored by Racing UK, which is the only place to see every race live from 34 of the leading racecourses - and all in HD. See www.racinguk.com/join for more. Watch the action from Hong Kong tomorrow morning for free.