O'Leary feels Cossack has improved Connections of Don Cossack put his improvement down to his stronger physical shape ahead of his crack at Saturday's William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton. Gordon Elliott's imposing eight-year-old has won his last four starts, the latest coming in the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal. Eddie O'Leary, racing manager for owners Gigginstown House Stud, told At The Races: "He improved physically, which he was entitled to as he's a big horse, and that was probably the difference last year to the previous year. "He was called a few names the previous season, when he probably didn't have the strength to finish his races. Now he has. He's settling much better in his races and that will give him the chance to get any trip." Paddy Brennan has established a successful rapport with Cue Card, winning the Charlie Hall and Betfair Chase on Colin Tizzard's stable star, but he admits to win the King George would be extra special. "Cue Card is different to most horses I've ever ridden. He's got a lot of pace, which a lot of three-milers don't necessarily have," he told Channel 4 Racing. "A lot of three-milers just keep galloping, whereas he's got that gear where he can really quicken. He's a very easy horse to ride. There's no doubt in my mind if there's a track that's going to bring out Cue Card's strong points it's going to be Kempton. "I know he's been there three times and it hasn't worked out, but I've ridden in the King George on horses like Nacarat and Imperial Commander and if there's any horse that will suit it it's Cue Card. "I've been extremely lucky to have won the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Betfair Chase and to win a King George would be the icing on the cake. It would mean everything and it would be the one race I'd like to say I've won when I've finished riding."
