Eight to race in King George First Gold faces seven rivals as he bids to retain his title in the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton.Another sparkling race looks on the cards for the big Boxing Day showpiece over three miles.The other runners are: Bacchanal, Bellator, Best Mate, Fadalko, Florida Pearl, Go Ballistic and Legal Right.First Gold, trained by Francois Doumen, beat Florida Pearl and Bellator in last year`s event.Doumen`s charge was expected to be fit enough to do himself justice in his first appearance of the season but proved a major disappointment in the cahoot Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury this month.The eight-year-old, the well backed 4-5 favourite, finished third behind Historic and Spendid.A strong challenge could come from the Henrietta Knight-trained Best Mate, who was beaten by Wahiba Sands under a massive weight in the First National Gold Cup at Ascot after earlier scoring in the williamhill.co.uk Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter.Best Mate will tackle three miles for the first time.Pertemps King George VI Chase:William Hill betting: 11-8 First Gold, 5-2 Best Mate, 3-1 Bacchanal, 8-1 Florida Pearl, 12-1 Legal Right, 16-1 Fadlako, 50-1 Bellator
