After weeks of ante-post betting during which the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase looked likely to develop into a match between the Paul Nicholls-trained stablemates Clan Des Obeaux and Cyrname, Nicky Henderson threw a late spanner into the works after having the "wild idea" to supplement the Gold Cup runner-up SANTINI for Kempton's mid-winter classic on Boxing Day.

Given that Santini was immediately installed as third favourite behind the aforementioned pair, the idea is not so wild after all and, while Kempton may not suit this strong, strapping stayer as well as Cheltenham, the King George can often develop into a slog.