Dejero could potentially compete in the King George VI Chase if he successfully defends his title at the Sky Bet Peterborough Chase in Huntingdon this Sunday. The seven-year-old, bred by Benicia Williams, kicked off the season perfectly by beating Pick Dolly at Charlie Hall in Wetherby, although this year he raced over a shorter distance compared to the event he dominated last year.
During a stable visit arranged by the Jockey Club, jockey Williams shared that entering Dejero in the Charlie Hall wasn’t originally planned but seemed tempting after reviewing the competition. Williams noted that while the Denman Chase at Newbury last season was won over a longer distance, the decision to enter Dejero in these races was somewhat opportunistic. He added that, compared to the wet conditions last year’s Peterborough Chase faced, this year’s race is expected to feature faster fields.
Williams, who won Kempton’s Boxing Day race with Teton Mill in 1998, emphasized a cautious approach, focusing on one race at a time despite Dejero being a favorite at 4-6 odds for the Peterborough Chase. He acknowledged Dejero’s chances at the King George Trophy, mentioning that the horse has an entry for the race but stressed the importance of taking it step by step based on how Sunday’s race unfolds. He expressed that a horse with multiple G2 wins like Dejero deserves a shot at the top level. However, he also pointed out the challenge of racing frequently and the need to consider the competition carefully.
L’Homme Presse is another contender eyeing the King George. Having been sidelined since last February’s Ascot Chase, L’Homme Presse will return at Cheltenham next week for the Southam Handicap Chase. Williams said the plan is to have L’Homme Presse run at Cheltenham and then possibly turn around quickly to compete at King George. He highlighted L’Homme Presse’s past experience running two races within 15 days as a novice chaser and said he’s optimistic about the horse’s progress.
Fan Take: This update is thrilling for horse racing fans because it showcases emerging contenders like Dejero and L’Homme Presse potentially stepping up to prestigious races like the King George VI Chase. Their performances could bring excitement and fresh rivalries to the sport, keeping the top-tier chases highly competitive and captivating.
