Last Ran: 26th December 2008

Kauto Star and Ruby Walsh revive their partnership on Boxing Day in the King George VI Chase. Walsh returns after a fall in November and believes that Kauto can take the King George three years running. Kauto goes off as a deserved favourite, there are talks in some circles that he has peaked and is now on the slippery slope. Having lost the Gold Cup to Denman in 2008, he then went on to another deafeat at Aintree and then in November took a fall in the Betfair Chase at Haydock. Certainly he has shown some vulnerability but a horse like Kauto has nothing to prove, as the odds and his career record shows he is still the one to beat.

Voy Por Ustedes won the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2007 and was runner up in 2008, he is a force to take seriously but steps up to three three miles for the first time here. Last seen under big weight at Aintree in the Old Roan Chase in his seasonal debut, he came a respected fourth having had a good run that he will be better for. Reported to be in perfect shape for the King George, he is one that is always in the frame.

Trainer Charlie Mann has a cracking entry with Air Force One, he was runner up last time out in the Hennesey Gold Cup in November. He is a sound jumper who has a lot more to give and deserves to take his chance.

Our Vic returns to try and go one better than last year where he was runner up to Kauto Star. He got his revenge however at Aintree in April in the Totesport Bowl and connections will be hoping that this year, on his seasonal debut he will turn up revitalised and ready to show Kauto that he can do it again.

Imperial Commander could be a great each way bet at the odds available., he is held in very high regard with his connections and proved that last month in the Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase getting home first. Stepping up to Grade 1 here, we will see what he is really made of.

Snoopy Loopy has been supplemented, he leads the BHA'S Order OF Merit after a fantastic campaign by a much improved horse. Although one must question whether his busy schedule will hinder him here, there has got to be some value for a small wager each way for this one.