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.

Schindlers Hunt is being primed for the King George Chase

Irish raider Schindlers Hunt, a dual Grade 1 chase winner, is being primed for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day and will bypass the Lexus Chase.

The nine year old was fourth in the Amlin 1965 Chase at Ascot and was runner-up to Notre Pere in the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup and trainer Dessie Hughes thinks that Kempton Park and the King George VI Chase will suit him.

“The plan at the moment is for Schindlers to go to Kempton on Boxing Day for the King George and I think he’ll run a nice race if the ground is good,” Hughes said.

“Hopefully they’ll get nice ground there as they normally do and it will certainly be better than what we have here anyway.

“I was probably a little bit disappointed after his run at Ascot but Paddy Flood wasn’t disappointed and said he just wants further.

“Two miles and three furlongs round there on the inside track is a bit quick for him and there should be a bit of improvement to come.”

Currently Schindlers Hunt is 33/1 for the King George VI Chase with William Hill.