Kauto Star heads King George field

KAUTO STAR will face a maximum of 13 rivals when he attempts to win his fifth consecutive William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has four of the 14 possibles with The Nightingale, What A Friend and long-term absentee Noland possibles to join their illustrious stablemate.

However, Noland is declared to take part in one of Kempton’s ‘bumpers for jumpers’ tomorrow.

Nicholls said of Kauto Star yesterday: “He is in top form and is mad fresh and well.’’

Nicky Henderson has three strong challengers to Kauto Star’s crown with Long Run, Burton Port and course specialist Riverside Theatre all possibles for the Seven Barrows handler.

There are two Irish representatives in last season’s Arkle winner Sizing Europe and the 2009 Arkle winner Forpadydeplasterer.

Philip Hobbs’ Punchestown Gold Cup winner Planet Of Sound could turn out while Tom George’s Nacarat is set to have another crack. Madison du Berlais, Albertas Run and veteran Ollie Magern complete the field.

With Kempton’s all-weather track struggling to cope at the moment, not surprisingly the fixture is in some doubt.

“The forecast for Christmas Day is 2C and St Stephen’s Day 4C so the trouble is the predicted thaw is getting later,” said clerk of the course Barney Clifford.