King George VI Chase: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

Kauto Star on his way to winning last year's King George

Timeform examine each runner in the prestigious King George VI Chase, set to be run at Kempton on Boxing Day...

Captain Chris won the 2010/11 Arkle and was as good as ever when landing a 19f Grade 2 at Ascot on recent reappearance, but will do well to better his third in this contest last year.                                                        

Champion Court took well to chasing last term, posting several good placed efforts alongside his 2 wins. Sure to be sharper for return over an inadequate trip, but needs to scale new heights to get involved.                   

Cue Card was the only horse to get close to Sprinter Sacre when second in Arkle last term. Most impressive when making a winning return in Haldon Gold Cup on reappearance, and breeding offers hope he will stay 3m.                  

For Non Stop improved when making a winning return in Grade 2 Old Roan Chase. Backed that up when third to Captain Chris at Ascot last month, but bit to find to trouble the principals now tackling 3m over fences.  
                    
Grands Crus looked an outstanding novice when slamming Silviniaco Conti and Bobs Worth in Feltham on this card a year ago, but something to prove following latest flop in Paddy Power Gold Cup.                                              

Junior jumped fluently when making all to regain winning thread at Newcastle on recent reappearance. Connections forked out 10,000 to supplement him for this, nonetheless, looks up against it.                                  

Kauto Stone got back on track when proving too strong for First Lieutenant in Grade 1 JNwine Chase at Down Royal in November. Could reach a place given stamina doubts surrounding many of the others.                                   

Long Run won this and the Gold Cup in 2010/11 season. Not the dominant force he promised to be in this division since, but still the one to beat given the doubts surrounding many of his rivals.                                    

Riverside Theatre landed 3 Grade 1 events on the bounce since chasing home Long Run in this race two seasons ago. Disappointing when last seen at Aintree in April, but contender given good record fresh.                                        

The Giant Bolster confirmed himself a top-class chaser when runner-up in Cheltenham Gold Cup last season. Cemented improvement when third in Betfair Chase on return, but probably playing for place money again.                               

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Cue Card
2. Long Run
3. Riverside Theatre

Timeform View: Long Run's two career-best performances have come in this race, but he isn't bombproof by any means, and the likely strong pace could put his jumping under pressure. With that in mind it may pay to take a chance with Cue Card, whose breeding offers hope that he will stay this far. Riverside Theatre and Kauto Stone may fare best of the rest.                                               
                                                                               
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