Kauto Star is set to take on 12 in the 2009 King George VI Chase

After the final declarations stage for the King George VI Chase, Kauto Star is set to take on 12 opponents in the feature grade 1 race on December 26 at Kempton Park. Roll Along, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, was the only horse to be removed from the field.

Defending champion Kauto Star is still the favourite to take out the 3 mile chase for a history making 4th consecutive year, with current odds of 8/13 with event sponsor William Hill. Imperial Commander and Madison Du Berlais lead the rest of the field in betting.

See the full 2009 King George Chase field.

Kauto Star heads 14 for the King George Chase

The field for the 2009 King George VI Chase is down to 14 horses with Kauto Star still the favourite for the Grade 1 feature on Boxing Day at Kempton Park.

Horses that were taken out of the field in the latest forfeit stage include In Compliance and Schindlers Hunt, both trained by Dessie Hughes, as well as What A Friend and Cooldine who are both headed for the Lexus Chase. Joe Lively and Chief Dan George will also not take part in this year’s race.

Nigel Twiston-Davies still has three entries with Imperial Commander, Ollie Magern and Roll Along while David Pipe has two entries with Madison Du Berlais and Our Vic. But all eyes will be on the Paul Nicholls trained Kauto Star and jockey Ruby Walsh as they aim for a fourth consecutive King George Chase victory.

Currently Kauto Star is 4/7 with event sponsor William Hill.

The Queen's horse Barbers Shop

There will be a number of possible runners for this year’s King George VI Chase in action at the Newbury Winter Festival between November 26 – 28.

The highlight of the Newbury Winter Festival is the Hennessy Gold Cup on Saturday November 28. In it’s 50th yeah, the Hennessy Gold Cup is a Grade 3 National Hunt chase open to 4 year olds and over. Last year’s winner Madison du Berlais is a possible runner in this year’s King George Chase.

Notable horses entered in the 2009 Hennessy Gold Cup Chase that could go onto contest the King George Chase include Joe Lively, Roll Along, War Of Attrition and current equal second favourites (with antepost odds of 13/2 at William Hill) Babers Shop and What A Friend.

Also on Hennessy Gold Cup Day at Newbury, Nacarat will run in the Long Distance Hurdle. Trainer Tom George is hoping that the 3m 110y hurdle will give Nacarat a good run and then a long enough break before the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on December 26.