Kempton or Ireland for Dancer

Connections of Exotic Dancer are mulling over whether to contest the Lexus Chase or the Stan James King George VI Chase over Christmas.

The frequent runner-up to Kauto Star could avoid his old foe if he heads to Ireland, having finished second and third in the last two runnings of the Kempton showpiece.

Now eight, he ran well on his reappearance to be second in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree and put in another brave effort for a third-placed finish in the Betfair Chase last time.

Trainer Jonjo O’Neill said: “He’ll be left in the King George but he is also in the Lexus and I will have to talk to Barry Simpson (racing manager to the owner Robert Ogden) before we make a decision.”

Exotic Dancer is one of 13 possibles for the Lexus at the latest entry stage, with 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero War Of Attrition the pick of the home team.

Air Force One, Cloudy Lane, Neptune Collonges and The Listener could all make the journey across the Irish Sea while other interesting contenders at this stage include Snowy Morning, Chelsea Harbour and Notre Pere.