Kempton concerns for Exotic camp

Jonjo O’Neill has given Exotic Dancer a clean bill of health ahead of the Stan James King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.

However, the Jackdaws Castle handler feels Cheltenham, rather than Kempton, is the place where his top-class performer is seen in the best light.

O’Neill’s yard is having a quiet spell of late, with few runners and no winners in recent days.

But the trainer insists all is well with Exotic Dancer, who has yet another attempt to finally get one over on reigning champion Kauto Star on Tuesday.

“He’s never been wrong, but he’s never beaten Kauto Star either,” said O’Neill.

“The horse is in grand old form, but I’m not really sure Kempton is the track for him – I would prefer it to be at Cheltenham.

“The ground should be fine – probably his best run was at Aintree (when winning the Betfair Bowl) on fast ground last season so it should not worry him at all.”

The Evan Williams-trained Lord Jay Jay was the only absentee from the entries for the race, leaving seven declared.

Alongside Kauto Star and Exotic Dancer – the first two home last year – will be third-placed Racing Demon, My Way De Solzen, Hi Cloy, Our Vic and Taranis, a stablemate of Kauto Star.