Henry De Bromhead to saddle first ever King George runner with star Monalee while Put The Kettle On to take on Altior
IRISH maestro Henry De Bromhead is set to unleash a two-pronged attack on the Ladbrokes Christmas Festival.
Monalee will be his first ever King George runner, while Arkle winner Put The Kettle On will take on Altior in the Desert Orchid Chase.
Travel restrictions mean De Bromhead will be stuck in Ireland, but top jockey Rachael Blackmore will be able to travel over to ride Monalee.
De Bromhead said: “We feel if we don’t run him in the King George now we’ll never do it and it’s always a race we thought would suit him.
“He’ll improve from his Thurles run where he took a huge blow three out and he seems in mighty form now.
“He’s rated right up there and in these races it’s always who is on the best form on the day and who gets the run of it.
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“I’m not sure he has to improve, he’s probably as good as anything he’s taking on here.
“We’re hopeful it’ll suit him, the jumping test, and that’s the reason we’re coming over.
“To win it with my first runner would be amazing. It’s one of the highlights of the racing season.”
Monalee is a 7-1 shot for the big race with Ladbrokes, with the Paul Nicholls pair of Cyrname and Clan Des Obeaux currently 2-1 joint-favourites.
Jockey Aidan Coleman will once again team up with star mare Put The Kettle On.
She won last year’s Arkle at 16-1 but has since showed that was no fluke when taking home the Shloer Chase on her return.
She’s now only been beaten once in eight starts over fences and continues to impress.
Her handler added: “Special Tiara won this race twice for us and we’re all set to head there again.
“We’d have preferred Altior to run in the Tingle Creek!
“But she had a fantastic year last season and to come back with a win in the Shloer was brilliant. She’s as tough as they come.”
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