Kauto heads King George possibles

Kauto Star will face a maximum of 13 rivals when he attempts to win his fifth consecutive William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, although the weather has left a question mark over the fixture being able to take place.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has four of the 14 possibles with The Nightingale, What A Friend and long-term absentee Noland possibles to join their illustrious stablemate. However, Noland is declared to take part in one of Kempton's 'bumpers for jumpers' today.

Nicky Henderson has three strong challengers to Kauto Star's crown with Long Run, Burton Port and course specialist Riverside Theatre all possibles. There are two Irish representatives in last season's Arkle winner Sizing Europe and the 2009 Arkle winner Forpadydeplasterer. Philip Hobbs' Planet Of Sound could turn out while Tom George's Nacarat is set to have another crack. The 2009 runner-up Madison du Berlais, 2008 runner-up Albertas Run and veteran Ollie Magern complete the field.