Decision time looms for Azertyuiop

CHRISTMAS plans for Azertyuiop remain uncertain as Paul Nicholls considers whether to step his star two-miler up in distance for the Stan James King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.

The Somerset handler also has the current second favourite for the race in Peterborough Chase winner Le Roi Miguel, but is concerned about whether either horse will last the three-mile trip.

Azertyuiop, who was second to Moscow Flyer in a thrilling renewal of the Tingle Creek Chase earlier this month, does have the alternative of sticking to the minimum distance in the skybetvegas.com Castleford Chase at Wetherby a day later, and a decision appears likely today.