Conti seeks to emulate Kauto at Kempton

Silviniaco Conti is favourite to emulate former stablemate Kauto Star and land successive editions of the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Friday.

Paul Nicholl's stable star underlined his wellbeing for the St Stephen's Day showcase when winning Haydock's Betfair Chase last month.

In fourth that day was Cue Card, Colin Tizzard's eight-year-old who is seeking to go one better after taking second 12 months ago.

While Cue Card has yet to show his best this term, Nicholls' runner is evidently as good as ever, and tops bookmaker's ante-post lists at a best priced 5-2.

Nicholls is also represented by Al Ferof, last year's third who tuned up with a Grade 2 win at Ascot on his first run of the season a month ago, and outsider Wonderful Charm.

Ireland's sole raider is Champagne Fever from the all-cnquering Willie Mullins stable. The seven-year-old earned his ticket to Kempton with an impressive win in heavy ground at Clonmel.

However, Mullins, who won the race with Florida Pearl in 2001, travels having been served a dose of reality on his horse's chances of becoming the first Irish winner since two-time winner Kicking King won his second one in 2005.

"Someone did (a newspaper article) on the King George and gave 11 parameters and said you want to pass seven or eight of them to win a King George," Mullins told The Guardian.

"Our fellow qualified on three."

Other notable entries include last month's Paddy Power runner-up Johns Spirit (25-1) and Dynaste (8-1) who was fifth in last year's race.

The first of Nicholls' eight King George wins was delivered by See More Business in 1997.

"It seems like an eternity ago," Nicholls recalled in The Daily Telegraph this week.

"It was our first, really big winner so it was a magic moment and the start of some really good things for us. I love the race."

Britain's champion jumps trainer is not unduly unconcerned about the drying ground for Silviniaco Conti.

"If it could be softer, that would be better for him, but that's only because it would emphasise his stamina. He's versatile as to ground, he's won on good going many a time.

"A bit of frost, a bit of drizzle and it'll be testing enough. They always go a good gallop in the King George anyway. You have to deal with the ground you're served in these big races."

Tizzard is full of hope Cue Card can turn the tables on Silviniaco Conti this time around.

"While he missed the rest of the season and he's been only fourth in his two runs this year, I'm convinced he's still as good as ever," he said.

"His run in the Betfair last time out was disappointing, but he blew for a long time afterwards which suggests we had left him short. He has really started to blossom over the last three weeks and I have him spot-on for the King George. He'll definitely run a massive race."

While Nicholls' is seeking a ninth King George, Philip Hobbs is hoping either Menorah or Wishfull Thinking will deliver his first.

Menorah capitalised on a ring-rusty Silviniaco Conti when beating him on his debut at Wetherby, but was subsequently despatched with ease when the pair met again in the Betfair.

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