The absence of Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander from the line-up for the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day might well have left the way clear for the tremendous Kauto Star to claim a fifth straight victory in the race, but there are still two places up for the grabs and it is by no means beyond the bounds of possibility that the progressive The Nightingale might make a big impression, writes Elliot Slater.
Trained, like Kauto Star, by Paul Nicholls, The Nightingale has been a significant improver over the last 12 months where in four starts over fences he has raised his official rating from 142 to 167, almost without catching the attention of those looking to place a king george kempton racing bet.
The seven-year-old made his seasonal return on the same card as Kauto Star at Down Royal in Northern Ireland on November 6, and not unlike his illustrious stable companion he completed a facile victory, slamming the useful Roberto Goldback by 11 lengths without apparently breaking sweat, in the Grade 2 Ladbrokes.com Chase.
Already proven around Kempton Park, (where he won the Grade 2 Pendil Novices’ Chase by 18 lengths last season from the decent Othermix), The Nightingale is on a steep upward curve and could yet find himself being rated in the mid-170’s or even higher before the season is out, that’s a rating that would see him being worthy of a place in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, if he stays.
Nicholls has been playing his cards unusually close to his chest with the Graeme Roach-owned gelding and it is my belief that the current 25/1 on offer with Ladbrokes for the horse racing boxing day 2010 event represents very good each-way value for a horse that might end the term a serious contender for top honours.
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