Nicholls keen on King George pair

Paul Nicholls has already collected the William Hill King George VI Chase more times than any trainer in history and he believes Silviniaco Conti and Al Ferof hold equally good chances of providing his eighth winner at Kempton on Thursday.

Only two horses, See More Business and Kauto Star, were responsible for his run of success, and his young pair of chasers are ushering in a new era at Ditcheat.

Silviniaco Conti, who ended up losing his way after a scintillating performance in the Betfair Chase last year, was beaten by Grands Crus on his previous visit to the Sunbury course in the 2011 Feltham, but is expected to relish the dampening conditions.