Fair weather Pady Tom Cooper is hoping for a dry run-up to Christmas to allow Forpadydeplasterer to show his true colours in the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton. Since winning the 2009 Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham, the eight-year-old has remarkably filled the runner-up spot on seven consecutive occasions. Cooper admits he was disappointed he could only finish second to shock winner Gauvain at Cheltenham earlier this month, but feels conditions were not in his favour that day and is looking forward to a clash with four-time King George winner Kauto Star on Boxing Day. "It was a bit disappointing he didn't win the last day, but the ground is such a huge factor for him," said the Co. Kerry trainer. "The ground in Cheltenham was quite dead and he was bobbing up and down and changing his legs because he was never comfortable on it. I don't think it was a lack of fitness that got him beat, it was purely down to the ground. "It was disappointing to be beaten when you consider we beat Paul Nicholls' horse (Tataniano), but that's the way it goes and the King George is still the plan. "We've beaten Sizing Europe and he was only beaten four lengths by Kauto Star, but I suppose Kauto Star would be a different kettle of fish at Kempton. We'll see."
