Kempton expect 'slow side of good' going

Kempton clerk of the course Brian Clifford believes the going will not be a problem as connections of Best Mate mull over Christmas plans for the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero.

They want to avoid extremes of going when they make a decision on the gelding’s target.

And they are to wait until declaration day tomorrow before deciding whether Best Mate will attempt back-to-back victories in the Pertemps King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.

“I can’t see the going being a problem. I would predict it will be on the slow side of good on Boxing Day,” said Clifford today.

“The going is good at the moment, with TurfTrax showing 8.1 on the chase course and 8.5 on the hurdle course.

“We are forecast 5mm of rain to pass through quickly tomorrow morning and then it is said to be dry afterwards.

“We are set for a dry Christmas Day, with a quick front coming through Boxing Day morning, which will give us a couple of millimetres, though the forecasters are a bit unsure about that at present. Temperatures are looking mild.”