20 horses remain in the field for the 2009 King George VI Chase

After the latest forfeit round 12 horses have been scratched from the 2009 King George VI Chase. This now leaves 20 horses in the field for the the grade 1 feature race at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

While there were no real surprises in the latest round of scratchings, notable horses to be removed from contention include Voy Por Ustedes, Kalahari King, Well Chief, War of Attrition and Monet’s Garden.

Reigning champion Kauto Star, who is looking to make history with a 4th consecutive King George Chase win, is still the favourite with event sponsor William Hill, while Betfair Chase runner-up Imperial Commander leads the rest ahead of Madison du Berlais and Cooldine.

The maximum field that can take part in the King George Chase is 20.

Voy Por Ustedes will not run in the King George Chase

Alan King, trainer of Voy Por Ustedes, has revealed that he will consider running his 8 year old chaser at the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28 and not the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on December 26.

“He’s got an entry and he won’t run in the King George” King said.

Asked if the decision to run Voy Por Ustedes in the Lexus Chase was influenced by the absence of Kauto Star and Denman, King stated: “It certainly helps, but we’ll look at all the entries.”

Voy Por Ustedes’ season debut at Ascot produced untidy jumping and he was beaten into third. The performance of the usually consistent chaser left King mystified.

“He didn’t jump well and I don’t know why. He was very sloppy, which isn’t like him.”

Voy Por Ustedes unlikely to take part in the 2009 King George VI Chase

Voy Por Ustedes, who finished third in last years race, is unlikely to run in this year’s King George VI Chase according to trainer Alan King.

The news comes after Voy Por Ustedes’ jump season return at the Amlin 1965 Chase on Saturday where he finished third in what King described as “.. a sloppy round of jumping”.

King added, “I would think the King George would be on the back burner now. I would like to keep him left-handed if we can, but we’ll see.

“He just never got into any rhythm on Saturday. He made a mistake early and he isn’t as comfortable going right-handed. He has won that way round, but he doesn’t seem as good.

“It was a very good run, don’t get me wrong. He came out of the race the best horse at the weights, but his jumping was disappointing and it cost him a lot of ground.”

Voy Por Ustedes’ connections are now considering other targets for the 8 year old chaser. Barry Simpson, racing manager for owner Sir Robert Ogden, is interested in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas while King is considering a £40,000 conditions chase at Warwick on December 6.