Next Al Ferof Al Ferof enjoyed a return to winning ways in the Grade Two Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon recently which saw the strapping grey record his first success under new trainer Dan Skelton. The 10-year old has twice lined up in the King George in recent years and was placed on both occasions. However, this looks a much stronger renewal and Al Ferof is seen to best effect when running fresh. Odds: 14/1

Previous Next Ballynagour Ballynagour has been threatening to land a big prize in recent seasons following his victory in the Byrne Group Plate at the Cheltenham Festival in 2014. His second place finish behind Silviniaco Conti at Aintree in April proved his worth at the divisions top table, and he is not a horse to take lightly. However, he has failed to sparkle this season and recently finished tailed off in the Betfair Chase last month. Odds: 66/1

Previous Next Cue Card Cue Card’s success in the Betfair Chase at Newbury last month was simply sensational. Collin Tizzard’s stable-star has been a rejuvenated horse this season and has showcased a pair of exceptional front-running displays in recent weeks. The nine-year old looked certain to land the King George in 2014 but emptied dramatically before the final flight. Connections are confident that that outing was below Cue Card’s best and he will arrive at Kempton on Boxing Day in rude health. Odds: 7/2

Previous Next Don Cossack Favourite for this year’s King George VI Chase is Don Cossack for Gordon Elliot and Gigginstown House Stud. The eight-year old has been in a league of his own in his last four races and fully deserves to be leading the pre-race market. His victory at Aintree earlier this year under AP McCoy showed Don Cossack at his very best. It was then replicated a fortnight later at the Punchestown Festival where he finished ahead of a number of leading chasers including Djakadam, Road To Riches and Cue Card. Trainer Gordon Elliot holds his talented inmate in the highest regard and believes he can be a real force in this race before heading to the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. Three miles around Kempton looks tailor-made for Don Cossack, and on recent form is the horse they all have to beat. Odds: 9/4

Previous Next Irish Cavalier Irish Cavalier produced a fine display to win the Novices’ Handicap Chase at Cheltenham in March but has yet to truly mix it with the division’s leading players. Rebecca Curtis’ six-year old returned to action at Newton Abbot in October with a confidence-boosting success before falling short in the Paddy Power last month. At the age of six, Irish Cavalier still boasts masses of potential but has yet to face a field full of the quality of this year’s King George and he may be out of his depth. Odds: 33/1

Previous Next Silviniaco Conti Silviniaco Conti is searching for a third consecutive King George success on Boxing Day following a pair of superb wins in the race in 2013 and 2014. Paul Nicholls’ charge was disappointing in the Betfair Chase recently but is set to improve for the outing. His record around Kempton reads: 2112 which makes him a threat in any race. The nine-year old is renowned for being a strong chaser and clearly enjoys the flat nature of Kempton’s course. At 9/1 he warrants the each-way value. Odds: 9/1

Previous Next Smad Place The decision to run Smad Place in this year’s King George has thrown a major spanner in the works. Alan King’s exciting grey annihilated his field when winning the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in November and now adds an intriguing pace angle to Kempton’s showpiece on Boxing Day. The manner in which he jumped last time out could make him a serious contender if replicating those tactics on Saturday afternoon. Three miles around Kempton is perfect for this eight-year old and he should make his presence felt if he has recovered fully from his Newbury excursions. Odds: 8/1

Previous Next Valseur Lido Valseur Lido may 20/1 in the betting, but he could easily out-run those odds if arriving at Kempton on-song. Willie Mullins’ six-year old performed with credit when finishing behind Djakadam at Punchestown recently and will definitely improve for the run. He is, however, best known for his stylish success at the Punchestown Festival in April when winning the Grade One Champion Novice Chase by two-lengths. The son of Anzillero beat Irish Cavalier, Don Poli and Apache Stronghold on that occasion and is definitely worth his place in this field. He represents the unknown quantity in the field. Odds: 20/1