King Happy To Do It His Way

Alan King has no worries regarding My Way De Solzen's stamina ahead of his clash with Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase at Haydock this weekend.

The seven-year-old has won at the last two Cheltenham Festivals, with the World Hurdle and the Arkle already on his impressive CV.

As the Arkle is over only two miles, some have suggested My Way De Solzen could be a doubtful stayer, but his handler is in no doubt.

'Of course it is a tough race for his first run of the season, but we have had no option ? the ground hasn't enabled us to run him anywhere else,' King told At The Races.

'He has been away and worked a mile and a half on grass last week which would have brought him on no end.

'I couldn't be happier with the horse as we stand at the moment.

'We were always going to work up this season in trip. All right, last season we had this long debate as to what his best trip was going to be, but this season has always been geared towards the King George.

'In an ideal world I would have liked to have had a run into him before this race but it hasn't worked out.

'He'll get the trip all right on Saturday.

'As to the question of the Ryanair or the Gold Cup, there is only one Gold Cup. I think it is the race everybody wants to win ? it's the ultimate but we'll know a lot more after Kempton (King George).

'He will definitely run this weekend, I'm not worried about the trip and even though I might not be sure if he's good enough to beat Kauto Star, he's good enough to run a huge race.

'He's entitled to be there and it is going to be a thrilling race. We are very fortunate in jump racing at the moment as there are some smashing horses around and I hope the punters appreciate it.'

(C) PA Sport