The 2007 Gold Cup hero Kauto Star heads a list of 11 horses that have stood their ground at 48 hour declaration stage for the Stan James King George VI Chase at Kempton Park. Paul Nicholls charge has won the last two renewals of the race and is rated a 5-4 chance to complete a hat-trick of King George wins on Boxing day.  

The 2007 Champion Chaser Voy Por Ustedes steps up to three miles for the first time, while connections of Our Vic will be hoping that their charge can improve on his second place position in last year’s race.  

Albertas Run and Air Force One, who both won Grade 1 Novice Chase last season, are also in the line-up. The former won the Sun Alliance Chase last season, while the latter won the Ellier Developments Novice Chase at the Punchestown festival.

Other notable entries in the race include the Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander, and last year’s Victor Chandler Chase winner Tamarinbleu.

Snoopy Loopy, Briareus and the rank outsider Mont Misere complete the King George line-up. 

Exotic Dancer has also been entered in the race, but he looks more likely to go for the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on the 28th of December. 

William Hill spokesman Tony Kenny commented “Kauto Star has been very popular in our offices over the last few days and at this moment in time is our biggest loser in the race” He continued “A lot of people wrote him off after he hit the canvas at Haydock, but punters seem to believe that he’ll bounce back to winning ways on Boxing day”

Stan James King George VI Chase (William Hill Bet): 5-4 Kauto Star, 7-2 Voy Por Ustedes, 7-1 Air Force One, 8-1 Our Vic, 9-1 Imperial Commander, 14-1 Tamarinbleu, 20-1 Snoopy Loopy, 25-1 Exotic Dancer (Doubtful), 33-1 Albertas Run, 40-1 Briareus, 500-1 Mont Misere, E/W ¼ 1-2-3