As I write this piece on Monday everyone involved in racing is having a well-earned three-day break but, just because there is no competition, so to speak, this certainly does not mean a rest period.  It is 24/7 to keep the show on the road and the build-up continues towards a busy period from Boxing Day onwards.

On Boxing Day we have the King George VI Chase at Kempton - Spillanes Tower is your favourite and he finished a career best second in a very strong renewal of the John Durkan Memorial at Punchestown, he’s only six and could well prove the answer. However, with the ground looking to be on the good side, what is wrong with last year’s winner Hewick each way at 16/1?

Just to add some spice to the card, it looks like Constitution Hill will be making his seasonal re-appearance and taking on Lossiemouth.  He will have to be right on song to beat her as she is the bet of the day for me.

On Friday the Kempton card looks just as exciting with Ballyburn taking on Sir Gino.  The latter has been electric in his schooling and gets weight from his older, more experienced rival -can’t wait for this one.

I will be at Chepstow for the Welsh Grand National and I am firmly in the Moonbeg Genius camp who ran well at Haydock 34 days ago. He took one run last season before recording a career best 3rd in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury off an official mark of 147.  He runs off 144 so is potentially well handicapped, loves Chepstow and the extra distance should suit him well, can I convince you anymore !

You will then have a chance locally to catch your breath before Taunton host their Twixmas meeting on the 30th. The feature race is the Class 1 Byerley Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.  This has shown up some useful mares, including last year when Queen’s Gamble (pictures) took the honours. She made a very encouraging re-appearance this season at Newbury and is firmly in the H on H notebook for when she next runs. For those of you looking for pointers, Paul Nicholls trained a treble last year and in 2022 the 200/1 shot Inspiratrice won the first race, so don’t be frightened to look for a couple of long odds shots. It will surely be competitive racing, a great atmosphere and a chance to blow away those festive cobwebs..entry is limited to 4,000 advance sales, so get in early for some early bird offers at www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk

Happy Christmas to all, and may the big-fella with the beard bring you plenty of winners.