Harry Cobden calling to get again on prime as he enjoys dream first trip since relaxation from fall on Belliano at Ascot

Harry Cobden had wasted no time getting back in the old routine but he quickly found himself trying to solve a Christmas puzzle.

The champion jockey had spent the past week recuperating, deciding he needed rest to recover from the lingering effects of a fall last month, but a first ride since last Sunday could not have gone better as Belliano, trained by his boss Paul Nicholls, powered home in a maiden hurdle at Ascot.

‘Four days off to do something different is never a bad thing,’ he said with a smile.

There is the potential for plenty of success back at the course on Saturday, too. Cobden, a man who you want on your side at the big Saturday meetings, has some fancy rides, none better than the progressive Kabral Du Mathan in the £125,000 Ladbrokes Hurdle. ‘I’m sure he’s got a good chance and I hope he’s ahead of the handicapper,’ he said.

But soon it became clear his thoughts were being consumed by Kempton Park on Boxing Day where he will ride Bravemansgame — who runs in the same silks as Belliano — in the King George VI Chase.

What a race it promises to be.

Harry Cobden is looking to get back to his best on the back of a break following a fall

Belliano, trained by his boss Paul Nicholls, powered home in a maiden hurdle at Ascot

Three horses were added to the field on Friday — Spillane’s Tower, who was immediately made favourite, The Real Whacker and, from France, Juntos Ganamos — but Bravemansgame, Cobden suspects, is being underestimated.

The gelding won the King George in 2022, having taken the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase over the same

three-mile course in 2021. This place at this time of year brings out the best in him and, for good measure, he finished a slightly unlucky second behind Hewick 12 months ago.

Yet he will go into the latest running of the King George as a 33-1 outsider. Those odds left this thoughtful rider perplexed. ‘I give him a good chance,’ said Cobden. ‘He didn’t run badly (on his first run of the season) in the Betfair Chase at Haydock last month. The ground was far too soft and I’m not sure he loves it around there, either.

‘He schooled for me this morning like he hadn’t run in the Betfair Chase. That suggests he keeps a little bit up his sleeve. He’d never jumped as well for me, either. I might change tactics, maybe not ride him with so much confidence.

‘There have been certain times when I have ridden him like he was the best horse in the race. Other jockeys, I’m sure, would have gone forward on him.

‘As (former champion trainer) Martin Pipe used to say, ‘If it ain’t working, try something else’. So we might just do it.’