Trainer Phillip Hobbs will be looking for Menorah to bring him success in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day after Captain Chris was ruled out.
Hobbs had planned to pitch both horses into the Grade 1 National Hunt chase, but nine-year-old Captain Chris has been withdrawn after suffering a minor injury during a schooling session on Monday morning.
It’s disappointing given that the 2011 Arkle Chase winner at Cheltenham was only beaten a neck by Long Run 12 months ago and Hobbs had hoped he could topple ante-post favourite Cue Card this time around.
However it is hoped that Captain Chris will be back in action at Kempton on January 11.
“He won’t be running on Boxing Day. He’s banged a joint schooling, it’s nothing serious but he won’t be running,” he said.
Despite that setback Menorah is to represent Hobbs by making his seasonal reappearance in the three-mile race and he should prove to be a lively good contender.
On Menorah’s chances, the trainer added: “He runs and is in good form.”
The King George is the highlight of the traditionally-packed Boxing Day racing schedule and, following Captain Cris’ withdrawal, there will be plenty of horses in with a shout of glory.
Cue Card should go well but the likes of Dynaste, Al Ferof and Silviniaco Conti will also be fancied whereas Mount Belbulben, Riverside Theatre and Champion Court are considered outsiders for glory in the big race.
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