WWE

Harry Cobden Confident Ahead of King George VI Chase Ride on Bravemans game

December, 24, 2024-04:24

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Harry Cobden Confident Ahead of King George VI Chase Ride on Bravemans game

Harry Cobden had wasted no time returning to his routine, but he quickly found himself caught up in a festive puzzle. After spending a week recuperating from the lingering effects of a fall last month, the champion jockey was eager to get back in action. His first ride since Sunday went off without a hitch, as he guided Bellino, trained by his boss Paul Nicholls, to a dominant win in a maiden hurdle at Ascot. "Four days off to do something different is never a bad thing," Cobden said with a smile, reflecting on the brief break.

As Cobden prepares for another busy Saturday, his focus is already turning to the upcoming big race at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, where he will ride Braveman's game in the prestigious King George VI Chase. Cobden believes Braveman's game, who runs in the same silks as Bellino, is being underestimated despite his past successes. The gelding won the King George in 2022 and claimed the Kabuto Star Novices' Chase in 2021, both races held over the same three-mile course. Although Bravemans game finished second, albeit somewhat unlucky, behind Hawick last year, Cobden is confident the horse has a good chance this time around, even though the odds have him as a 33-1 outsider.

Cobden is perplexed by the outsider odds, believing that Bravemans game is being overlooked. The gelding’s performance in the Betfair Chase at Haydock, where Cobden admits the ground was too soft and the course may not suit him, did not diminish his optimism. Cobden added that Bravemans game schooled well on the morning before the King George, jumping better than ever. With that in mind, Cobden is considering a change in tactics, saying, "I might not ride him with so much confidence." He also hinted at trying a new approach, drawing from the advice of former champion trainer Martin Pipe: "If it isn't working, try something else." Cobden’s plans are still evolving, but he remains hopeful that Bravemans game can defy the odds and deliver a standout performance.