Macaire assembles formidable raiding party for big Christmas prizes

LEADING French jumps trainer Guillaume Macaire has assembled a formidable raiding party to challenge for big Christmas prizes at Kempton and Chepstow.

They are led by enigmatic six-year-old Douze Douze, bidding to justify glowing testimonials from his trainer in the Pertemps King George VI Chase, and exciting novice Jair du Cochet, who will be a tough nut to crack in the Pertemps Aviation Resources Feltham Chase.

The following day sees a two-pronged assault on the Worthington Classic Finale Junior Hurdle at Chepstow, a race Macaire has won for the last two years.