Cloy Out Of King George Shake-Up

Kauto Star will face a maximum of 11 rivals in the Stan James King George VI Chase ? but not Hi Cloy.

Connections were reportedly keen to go for the race until their charge bruised a foot earlier in the week, throwing his participation into doubt.

Having pleased Michael Hourigan on Wednesday morning, however, the four-time Grade One winner looked likely to be given the green light but will not now line up on St Stephen's Day.

'We weren't just happy with the bruise and it could have been a bit of a disaster so we decided not to take the chance,' said Hourigan.

With one eye on the weather over Christmas is Henrietta Knight, whose Racing Demon will aim to provide the Wantage handler with her third success in the last five renewals.

'I'm hoping for good to soft ground for Racing Demon, for whom Kempton should prove very suitable,' she said.

In-form Pond House handler David Pipe also confirmed Puntal and Commercial Flyer for the Grade One showpiece.

Pipe said: 'Both DJ (David Johnson) and Terry Neill wanted to leave their horses in and take a look.

'The King George is Commercial Flyer's only entry over Christmas but Puntal is also in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby.

'Commercial has come out of his fall (at Cheltenham) okay after some treatment from the physio and has been going nicely at home.

'We shall leave it late to make a decision.'

Monet's Garden continues to please connections in the build-up to the King George acid test.

Having only been beaten once in a five-race chasing career, when outgunned by Voy Por Ustedes over two miles in the Arkle, trainer Nicky Richards is understandably in confident mood.

He said: 'Everything has gone well with him and I have been delighted with his preparation.

'He did a bit of work (on Wednesday morning) and I was delighted with him, so we just need to get to Tuesday now and see what happens.'

(C) PA Sport