Kempton calling for Brave

Calling Brave was today confirmed on course for a tilt at the Stan James King George VI Chase following his pleasing comeback run at Sandown last week.

The eight-year-old returned home sore after clouting the last fence in finishing runner-up to Colonel Frank on Friday but will take his chance in the Boxing Day showpiece.

Trainer Nicky Henderson said today: “It was always the plan to aim at the King George.

“He was pretty sore when he got back from Sandown but he was sound by Sunday morning and he’s definitely on the mend.

“He will improve for the run and he had jumped so well up to the last that it was a shame to see him make such a bad mistake.

“It was just one of those things. Mick (Fitzgerald) said he was on no stride and so he had to fire him in to have any chance of winning the race.

“He goes to Kempton with every chance in an open-looking year. If those two-milers go for the race it will be an even more exciting contest.

“But whereas some of the others will be worried about the ground, Calling Brave doesn’t mind anything as long as he can dig his toe in a little bit.”

Calling Brave landed his first three starts over fences last term before unseating his rider in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase when still travelling strongly.