THEY all stood their ground in the King George and now we’re all set for a fascinating renewal.

It’s brilliant that we’re all set for Gaelic Warrior versus Fact To File again. These two served up the race of the season so far when they finished first and second respectively in the John Durkan Chase.

They had it between them from a long, long way out that day, and they finished miles clear of their rivals.

It’s not a two-horse race though, and that’s why this year’s King George is so intriguing. It’s as deep a King George as we have had in years. Jango Baie won the Arkle in March and Nicky Henderson’s horse was impressive in winning the 1965 Chase at Ascot last month on his seasonal return. He is only six and there could be much more to come from him, especially stepping up in trip to three miles.

The Jukebox Man won the Kauto Star Chase on King George day last year over the King George course and distance. He was over eight seconds slower than Banbridge was in the King George, but the Kauto Star was a slowly-run race last year, and his final four furlongs were fast. Ben Pauling’s horse looked good too in beating Iroko in a graduation chase at Haydock on his debut this season, and Iroko enhanced the form of that run on Saturday.

Djelo has already won the Charlie Hall Chase and the Peterborough Chase this season, and he deserves his shot at it, while Il Est Francais ran a massive race last year, just giving best to Banbridge on the run-in.

But it is Banbridge who could represent the value of the race. Joseph O’Brien’s horse was brilliant last year under Paul Townend. His stamina wasn’t proven before last year’s King George, but he stayed all right.

He was fastest of all through each of the last four furlongs, and he was a total of 2.26secs faster than the next fastest from the half-mile pole to the winning line. More than that, Il Est Francais was second fastest through the final four furlongs, and he was third fastest through the final furlong, so it wasn’t that the pace collapsed and the leader wilted badly and Banbridge picked up the pieces. He had to go and catch Il Est Francais, who wasn’t stopping, in relative terms.

The Doyen gelding is a year older, nine rising 10 now, and this is a stronger race than last year’s, and his preparation hasn’t been as straightforward as it was 12 months ago.

Last year he ran in the Fortria Chase on his seasonal debut before putting up a big performance in the Hilly Way Chase, he was giving Energumene a real race, giving him 10lb, before he unseated at the final fence. This year, he didn’t make it to the Fortria Chase, he made his seasonal debut in the Hilly Way.

His performance there was more than acceptable, however. He was well beaten in the end, but the ground was softer than ideal and the distance was shorter than ideal, and he was right there with them at the second last fence before he faded. He will have to improve on that, of course, but there is every chance that he will.

We know that he can operate at Kempton, under King George conditions, and that is massive. It is a race that fosters repeat winners. There have been five dual winners since 2000. No Paul Townend of course, and J.J. Slevin is required at Limerick, but, in their absences, Sean Bowen is a great booking. Banbridge could out-run his odds by a fair way.

Christmas Hurdle

It might be worthwhile taking a chance too on Golden Ace in the Christmas Hurdle. Jeremy Scott’s mare may not be getting the recognition that she is due.

Of course, she was fortunate to win the Champion Hurdle in March, State Man had the race in the bag when he came down at the final flight, but she was very good in winning the Fighting Fift Hurdle at Newcastle last time, and she may still have won even if The New Lion had not come down at the second last.

Sir Gino could blow them away, but this will be his first run in 364 days, and it will be his first run over hurdles since he won the Fighting Fifth Hurdle last year, 13 months ago. We know that Golden Ace goes there fit and well and in good form, and she could put it up to the odds-on favourite.

Recommended

Golden Ace, 1.55 Kempton,

4/1 (generally), 1pt win

Banbridge, 2.30 Kempton,

16/1 (generally), 1pt win