Soccer

Paul Nicholls polishing King George jewels ahead of Boxing Day

The twelve times King George VI Chase-winning trainer Paul Nicholls is leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of another at Kempton. Frodon, Clan Des Obeaux and Saint Calvados are being primed.

King George VI Chase master Paul Nicholls is to gallop his trio of Kempton hopes at Wincanton ahead of the big race on Boxing Day

The Ditcheat trainer will give last year's King George hero Frodon, 2018 and 2019 winner Clan Des Obeaux and new recruit Saint Calvados a lung-opener at the course as part of their preparations for the Kempton showpiece on Boxing Day.

Nicholls said: "They are all fine and we are having a gallop here in the morning. They are fit and well and schooled yesterday morning. I'm very happy with them all and just want them to have a nice day out.
"Clan is obviously very fresh and well and he was mad fresh yesterday morning. It is a different preparation to what we have given him leading into the race before.
"Normally he has had a run before going to the King George, but I think doing this will suit him better.
"Frodon has had his month off and is now back working away. He looks in good order. He has been bucking and squealing and making himself known in the yard.
"Saint Calvados hasn't had a run for us yet. He has always gone well (fresh) in the past so we thought we would go straight there on the back of doing a load of work at home. They are three interesting horses for the race.
"Saint Calvados ran very well in the race last year. He just didn't jump well in the straight so we have done lots of jumping."
Nicholls believes that Frodon and Clan Des Obeaux represent his best chances of giving him a record-extending 13th King George success.
"In my eyes, the main two have to be Frodon and Clan on what they have done on the form. They are in good shape," he added.

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