Mate tops King George market

Best Mate has been installed as the 3-1 favourite with sponsors Stan James for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.

Henrietta Knight’s three-time Gold Cup winner was one of 32 entrants for the three-mile contest unveiled yesterday, although he may well instead come to Ireland for the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown two days later.

Ms Knight could still have a runner, however, as last year’s winner Edredon Bleu is also in the race.

England and Ireland’s top two-mile chasers, Azertyuiop and Moscow Flyer respectively, have both been entered for the race and take high rank in the betting, although they will be going into unknown territory in terms of distance if they line up.

Other notable entries for the £200,000 (€284,900) event include last Sunday’s impressive Cheltenham winner Fundamentalist and Noel Chance’s unexposed Murphy’s Cardinal, while Nicky Henderson has entered the 2003 Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Fondmort Calling Brave, who is due to make his seasonal debut this weekend at Windsor, and Scots Grey.

Martin Pipe has five entries, with 2003 King George runner-up Tiutchev and this year’s Betfred Gold Cup winner Puntal heading the list along with Our Vic, Therealbandit and Seebald.

Aside from Moscow Flyer, the Irish challenge includes Kicking King, Harbour Pilot and Nil Desperandum, while 2000 King George winner First Gold is the sole French raider.