RACING: Somersby is playing for place - Knight (From The Oxford Times)

RACING: Somersby is playing for place - Knight

10:40am Wednesday 21st December 2011 in Other

Henrietta Knight believes Somersby will improve for the step up in distance in the William Hill King George VI Chase – but will still not pose a threat to Long Run and Kauto Star.

The star of Knight’s West Lockinge stables, near Wantage, was among eight horses confirmed for Kempton’s Boxing Day showpiece at yesterday’s latest acceptance stage.

Somersby, a best-priced 14-1 chance, will be stepping up to three miles for the first time after a series of placed efforts in top company over shorter distances.

Knight, who won the race with Best Mate in 2002 and Edredon Bleu in 2003, feels the seven-year-old will benefit from a greater test of stamina.

But she doesn’t believe he will upset Long Run and Kauto Star.

Asked how much improvement Somersby will find for tackling a longer trip, she said: “I think quite a lot. I think he has always wanted a staying track with three miles. He always seems to stay on.

“I don’t expect we will trouble the two principals. I don’t think anyone will get near them because they are both top horses who have won the Gold Cup.”

Somersby, who could run in a cross noseband after his tongue got over the bit when he was second to Gauvain in the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon last time out, is also set to renew rivalry with Master Minded, who like Kauto Star is owned by Clive Smith.

“It is not Master Minded I am worried about – it is the other ones,” added Knight.

Ladbrokes betting: 5-4 Long Run, 4-1 Kauto Star, 5-1 Master Minded, 8-1 Captain Chris, 12-1 Somersby, 16-1 Diamond Harry, 50-1 Nacarat, 66-1 Golan Way