Pearl left in King George Florida Pearl was the sole Irish raider among the 10 horses left in the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day at today`s confirmation stage.Willie Mullins` gelding chased home First Gold in the Stg#150,000 contest last season and is set for a rematch with the Gold Cup favourite. Francois Doumen`s star performer is sure to face a strong field in his bid to follow up on last year`s victory.Principal among his likely rivals are two of last season`s top novices, Bacchanal and Best Mate.Jonjo O`Neill`s injury-prone but talented chaser Legal Right is expected to run in the three-mile contest so long as his recurring lameness does not intervene.Paul Nicholls, who saddled See More Business to win the mid-season highlight in 1997 and 1999, has the Sir Robert Ogden-owned pair Ad Hoc and Fadalko in this time.Venetia Williams`s Bellator, third 12 months ago, is entered again this time.King George regular Go Ballistic is now in the care of Best Mate`s trainer Henrietta Knight and this tough campaigner could have his first run for the Wantage handler on Boxing Day.Another horse racing for a new stable is Toto Toscato, who is now with Martin Pipe having formerly been trained by Alan King.
