King to last Kempton trip

Tom Taaffe is convinced that stamina will not be a problem for Kicking King in the Stan James King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.

The Irish raider’s only previous attempt at three miles ended in defeat by Beef Or Salmon in the James Nicholson Wine Merchant Champion Chase at Down Royal.

Taaffe, though, put that down to his charge running too free because of a slow pace.

“He ran over three miles at Down Royal in the James Nicholson Chase and it was just a messy race on very heavy ground,” Taaffe told At The Races.

“He was just too free on the day but at Kempton they will go a gallop and it’s meant to be an easier track so I’m not worried about the trip.”

After Down Royal, Kicking King bounced back with a smooth victory over two and a half miles in the Grade One John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown.

As for tactics, the Co Kildare-based handler said: “I will play everything by ear and we’ll ride the race according to the way it looks and the way the other horses will be ridden etc.

“I came over to Kempton and (clerk of the course) Brian Clifford showed me round. I was thrilled with the track and I have no problems whatsoever with it.”

Kicking King, who is expected at Kempton on Friday morning, is a best-priced 3-1 favourite with Coral.