Good ground essential for Forpadydeplasterer in King George
Published:Good ground is liable to be the key if Forpadydeplasterer is to upset Kauto Star’s quest to win the King George for a record fifth time on Boxing Day.
Kempton betting odds have Tom Cooper’s horse at 10/1 to win the King George and end a seven-race streak without a victory that stretches back to the Arkle Chase at the 2009 Cheltenham Festival.
However, Forpadtheplasterer is a model of consistency despite his struggles to cross the finishing line first, as he has not been outside of the first two in his last 12 starts.
Many may be tipping another runner-up finish behind Kauto Star in the King George, but trainer Cooper is optimistic that victory can be achieved as long as the ground suits his eight-year-old.
Cooper said: “He’s doing very well and I’m very happy with him. We’ve had no problems so far, he’s been working every day. I’m hoping we get nice ground.
“The ground was on the soft side last year but the three or four years prior to that it was nice ground. The ground is the secret with him.”
Another potential problem aside from the ground for Forpadydeplasterer is the distance of the Kempton showpiece, which could push the horse’s stamina to its limits.
The King George represents Forpadydeplasterer’s first attempt at a race over three miles and if the ground is slightly on the soft side, this would test his stamina even further.
But before any ground worries are cleared up, Cooper must first decide who will take the ride.
Barry Geraghty is the obvious candidate as he has been the jockey to have ridden the horse for half of his last ten starts, but there is a strong likelihood that he will instead opt to be on board Punchestowns.
A £10 bet on Forpadydeplasterer winning the King George could see a return of £100. New Ladbrokes customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.
