Kalahari King

An unlucky in running fourth in the Supreme Novices' in 2008, Kalahari King returned to the Festival to contest the Arkle Chase with only an uncharacteristically sloppy jumping display behind Doctor David at Haydock blotting his chasing copybook. Once again, the cauldron of Prestbury Park spurred Ferdy Murphy's charge to new heights as he went down in a stirring battle with Forpadydeplasterer, losing out by a diminishing short head in what was arguably the finish of the meeting, and one which stirred the crowd to near rapture. He followed that run with a win at Aintree, confirming Arkle form with Made In Taipan before running in the Queen Mother Celebration Chase at Sandown's end of season jamboree. His second there behind course and distance specialist Twist Magic reads well on paper, but it was, in truth, a comprehensive defeat and one which raises minor doubts about his ability to step up to top company over two miles, especially since he is neither young nor lightly raced, turning nine mid-season and the veteran of thirty-five races already. On the plus side, he has often shaped as if an extra half mile will be within his compass, finishing notably strongly when facing his most searching tests at the minimum. The William Hill Haldon Gold Cup would be an ideal starting point, although his trainer rarely has his string in top form before mid-November if previous campaigns are a guide.