Kings Primed To Renew Rivalries Kicking King and Kingscliff, the first two home in last year´s King George VI Chase, head 11 confirmations for the St Stephen's Day feature at Sandown. Twelve months ago Irish raider Kicking King beat Kingscliff by two and a half lengths in the Stan James-sponsored contest at Kempton. Tom Taaffe´s charge went on to lift the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, although Kingscliff had his revenge on the seven-year-old when winning the Betfair Chase at Haydock last month. That success put Kingscliff, trained by Robert Alner, in line for the #1million Betfair bonus should he go on to win the King George and Gold Cup this winter. Kicking King twisted a shoe and returned sore after finishing third at Haydock last time out but pleased connections last week in his first serious piece of work since then and is 7-4 favourite with totesport. Henrietta Knight, who has captured this race in the past with Best Mate (2002) and Edredon Bleu (2003) looks set to be represented by Impek. French trainer Francois Doumen will seek his sixth success in the Grade One contest with L´Ami. He has won it with Nupsala (1987), The Fellow (1991 and 1992), Algan (1994), and First Gold (2000). Paul Nicholls, who sent out See More Business to win the King George in 1997 and 1999, has left in Cornish Rebel - a full brother to Best Mate - and Royal Auclair. The field is completed by Ballycassidy, Distant Thunder, Irish Hussar, Monkerhostin and Ollie Magern.(C) PA Sport
