'Champions League stuff' - King George Runner-by-runner guide The Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park is the highlight of the Christmas racing programme in Britain and a staple of the hectic St Stephen's Day schedule that sees 11 meetings running parallel on a frantic afternoon. This year the King George (2.30) is surely destined to live up to its billing. A field of eight runners were declared for the three-mile Grade 1, offering £142,375 to the winner and a chance to join the great names that have lit up the Sunbury-on-Thames venue over the years. Here's a rundown of the eight contenders for King George glory on Friday. Banbridge Last year's winner, the Joseph O'Brien-trained nine-year-old is in danger of being the forgotten contender this time. He's winless in the three runs since but there have been mitigating factors along the way. Sean Bowen, Britain's champion jockey and a man riding out of his skin, takes over here and with lots of potential pace in the race, it could tee up quite nicely for Djelo Venetia Williams' seven-year-old is in the form of his life following his wins in the Charlie Hall and the Peterborough Chase but, with the greatest of respect to the rivals he beat at Wetherby and Huntingdon, this is Champions League stuff, jumping up from the Europa League. He could help force a fast pace, if he is able. Fact To File The first of two Willie Mullins contenders and the mount of Mark Walsh for his boss JP McManus, who is aiming to win this great race for the first time. The King George has long been thought of as the perfect race for last season's Ryanair winner. He was edged out by Gaelic Warrior in the John Durkan on his comeback but the winner had the run of that race. Gaelic Warrior Paul Townend blasted off in front in that John Durkan last month and, for a while, it looked as though none of the field would get near him. Fact To File eventually closed up but used some energy in doing so, though Gaelic Warrior was extremely gutsy in the end. There is lots of pace in this race and so extreme forcing tactics are unlikely to succeed, but the Aintree Bowl winner can be patiently ridden too. He's hugely talented but prone to sulking sometimes. His owner Rich Ricci has been agonisingly denied in his race before when Vautour was mugged on the line by Cue Card in 2015. Il Est Francais Stormed to victory in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase over course and distance two years ago and almost repeated the feat in this last year when only Banbridge managed to spoil his party. He is now based with Tom George in England. He was pulled up as Jango Baie won the 1965 Chase at Ascot last month and there is a question to answer with Harry Cobden called in to ride for the first time. Jango Baie The Arkle winner at Cheltenham in March for Nicky Henderson, he returned with a convincing win in that 1965 Chase at Ascot last month over 2m5f on good ground, beating Gidleigh Park by nine-lengths after the likes of Il Est Francais (pulled up) and Pic D'orhy (third) had faltered. Rises in class/trip now on second start after a wind operation and the Seven Barrows inmate must be considered a key player. Master Chewy Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies' eight-year-old is the lowest-rated runner and was more than 50-lengths behind Jango Baie when fourth in that Ascot Grade 2 last month. He has also struggled in races won by Fact To File (Ryanair) and Gaelic Warrior (Arkle) in the past and he'd be a shock winner in a field boasting this class and depth. The Jukebox Man Winner of the Kauto Star Novices' Chase here last Christmas on just his second start over fences, he missed 331 days thereafter but Ben Pauling's charge remains unbeaten as a chaser following his comeback win at Haydock in a Graduation Chase last month over 2m5½f. Runner-up Iroko gave a nod to that form at the weekend in his Ascot win and connections of The Jukebox Man fully expect another chunk of improvement. Owner Harry Redknapp will be on tenterhooks as his pride and joy bids to land this famous prize.
