Leading British jumps rider and William Hill Ambassador Sam Twiston-Davies has been given the mount on Hitman in the King George for connections he has previously landed the Grade One event for in the past.
Talking on William Hill's brand new racing review show The Inside Track alongside Kate Tracey and James Mackie, the Grade One winning rider explained how fortunate he was to be getting the ride on Hitman in the race and explained what it is like to ride in a race of such importance.
A working progress horse for the champion trainer Paul Nicholls throughout his career, the handler thinks a lot of this gelding and he has shown big potential to be a classy horse over fences so far.
Sent chasing for the yard in 2020 when having a good novice career, finishing second to Allmankind in the Grade One Henry VIII Novices' Chase and having won twice that season he rounded it off at Aintree when narrowly denied in the Manifesto Novices' Chase.
🗣️ "He's a young horse, but he’s really going the right way and I'm excited for it."
— William Hill Racing (@WillHillRacing) December 20, 2022
Our Ambassador @samtwiston tells @KateTracey12 and @jamesmackieee why he can't wait to ride Hitman in the King George at Kempton 👀
Watch Episode 3 of #TheInsideTrack now on YouTube 👇
Last season he made his seasonal debut in the Haldon Gold Cup when second to Eldorado Allen and next time out he had to settle for second again in the Grade One Tingle Creek behind stablemate Greaneteen.
Third of four in the Game Spirit Chase when not beaten far, he then went to Aintree and again played Bridesmaid in the Marsh Chase behind Fakir D'oudairies when looking the winner.
The theme continued on seasonal debut this term when second in the Grade Two Old Roan Handicap Chase at Aintree going down by a head but now pitched into a much easier event he should get back to winning ways.
Improving for that first run like the yard thought he would, the six year old was last seen at Haydock in the Betfair Graduation Chase over 2m5f and put up a foot perfect jumping performance to take the race by 11 lengths.
Always set to be upped to three miles for the King George VI Chase this season, he is set to take on stablemate Bravemansgame and Grade One winner L'Homme Presse in what looks a race for the ages.
King George VI Chase Odds via William Hill:
L'Homme Presse 7/4
Bravemansgame 2/1
Hitman 9/2
Envoi Allen 7/1
Frodon 14/1
Royale Pagaille 14/1
Eldorado Allen 20/1
Ahoy Senor 25/1
Millers Bank 33/1