The prestigious King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day has attracted a star-studded field this year, but one rising star stands out from the crowd. Grey Dawning, the progressive young chaser from the yard of Dan Skelton, looks poised to step into the spotlight in this midwinter championship.
A Dawning Star
Grey Dawning announced himself as a serious contender with a strong second in last month’s Betfair Chase at Haydock. The handsome grey finished best of all, nearly overhauling the winner after being hampered by a slow jump at the last. It was a performance that marked him as one of the top staying chasers in Britain.
Jockey Harry Skelton was full of praise after the Haydock run, noting how much the horse had improved from his novice season. “He’s really strengthened up and matured,” Skelton reported. “There’s a lot more to come from him yet.”
Scope for Improvement
Indeed, Grey Dawning has run just seven times over fences so far in his career. Thursday’s King George will be only his second start in open Grade 1 company. His profile is one of an exciting, rapidly progressive chaser – exactly the type to excel in these championship events.
“He’s come out of Haydock really well and this race has always been the plan,” said trainer Dan Skelton. “I couldn’t be happier with him and I’m very hopeful he’ll run a huge race.”
Dan Skelton
The eight-year-old grey already ranks among the highest-rated chasers in Britain. But with so few miles on the clock compared to many of his rivals in the King George, he still has abundant scope to lift his game to another level.
Gold Cup Dreams
A bold showing at Kempton would cement Grey Dawning’s status as a leading contender for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. He’s already prominent in the betting for chasing’s blue riband event. Victory in the King George would see his Gold Cup odds contract further.
No horse has won the King George and Gold Cup double since the mighty Kauto Star. But Grey Dawning’s trainer believes his stable star has the talent to follow in those illustrious hoofprints.
“He’s always had a touch of class about him,” Skelton noted. “I wouldn’t swap him for anything else in the race. If he puts it all together, he’ll take a world of beating.”
Dan Skelton
A Competitive Renewal
Of course, the King George is always an ultra-competitive affair. This year’s renewal is no exception, with a deep field of battle-hardened Grade 1 winners set to line up.
- Bravemansgame, a dual Grade 1 winner and the defending King George champion
- Ahoy Senor, conqueror of Bravemansgame in the Cotswold Chase last season
- Frodon, the popular veteran who won an epic King George two years ago
- Hitman, last year’s impressive Peterborough Chase winner stepping up in trip
Any of them could conceivably land the spoils on their day. But Grey Dawning’s unique combination of proven class and untapped potential makes him the horse to beat in the eyes of many.
“It looks an outstanding King George,” admitted Skelton. “But our horse goes there with a leading chance. He’s ready to announce himself as the real deal.”
Dan Skelton
The Verdict
In a race with no shortage of top-class candidates, Grey Dawning appeals as the percentage call at 5-1. This scopey young chaser has already proven his ability at the highest level. With just a handful of chase starts under his belt, enormous improvement could be forthcoming.
Dan Skelton’s decision to aim Grey Dawning at the King George, rather than wait for an easier opening, speaks volumes. His bold placement suggests the utmost confidence in his rising stable star to deliver on the big stage.
While dangers abound in this red-hot renewal, Grey Dawning has the raw talent to overpower his rivals. A vintage edition of the King George looks in prospect – but don’t be surprised if this is the day a new chasing great announces his arrival at the top.
