Nicholls bidding for eighth King George Paul Nicholls has already collected the William Hill King George VI Chase more times than any trainer in history and he believes Silviniaco Conti and Al Ferof hold equally good chances of providing his eighth winner at Kempton on St Stephen's Day. Only two horses, See More Business and Kauto Star, were responsible for his run of success, and his young pair of chasers are ushering in a new era at Ditcheat. Silviniaco Conti, who ended up losing his way after a scintillating performance in the Betfair Chase last year, was beaten by Grands Crus on his previous visit to the Sunbury course in the 2011 Feltham, but is expected to relish the dampening conditions. Noel Fehily's mount was third back at Haydock last month for the Betfair and must again take on the first and second, Cue Card and Dynaste. Al Ferof, who is to be partnered by Daryl Jacob, made light of a year's absence when winning a two-runner event at Ascot but is trying a distance half a mile further than he has ever attempted before. "They're both well and worked nicely last week. Everything is on schedule. I think the rain at Kempton will definitely help Silviniaco Conti, you'd be worried it wouldn't suit him so well round there if it was quick," said Nicholls. "Al Ferof is well, there is a bit of a doubt at the trip on softer ground but he's by Dom Alco, they stay well, and he looked like he was staying on up the hill when winning the Paddy Power last year. I can't split them really." The sole Irish raider is Mount Benbulben, who unseated his rider on his first step outside novice company at Down Royal. "He's in good form and we're hopeful he'll have a good each-way chance," said trainer Gordon Elliott. Last year's runner-up Captain Chris was ruled after suffering a minor injury during a schooling session on Monday morning. Trainer Philip Hobbs said: "He won't be running on Boxing Day. He banged a joint schooling, it's nothing serious but he won't be running. I hope he will now run in the new williamhill.com Chase at Kempton on January 11." Hobbs and the Whateley family will still be represented by solid course performer Menorah, and the trainer added: "He runs and is in good form."
