Kauto Star as good as ever ahead of King George record attempt

The recent icy conditions have done little to impact Kauto Star’s chances of winning the King George for a record-breaking fifth time.

Kauto Star is the 10/11 favourite in the King George horse racing betting as he bids to win Kempton’s Boxing Day showpiece for the fifth year in succession.

Many trainers have struggled to maintain their training schedules because of the recent weather, but Paul Nicholls has revealed that Kauto Star is potentially in the best shape ever.

Clifford Baker regularly rides Kauto Star on the gallops and has been equally impressed with what he has seen.

Nicholls said: “He hasn’t been held up at all by the weather. He’s exactly where I want him to be.

“He’s in great form and Clifford says he’s feeling as good as he ever has. I’d say he’s looking as good as he ever has too. It’s really just a case of keeping him ticking over between now and the King George.”

Meanwhile, Kempton is also doing all it can to ensure that the ten-year-old has the chance to make history by laying frost covers over the racecourse to combat the expected low temperatures in the coming days.

The covers will prevent any frost getting into the ground and will be situated around the course at the taking off and landing points of all fences, alongside across all running areas.

Some 24 horses have currently been declared for the King George, with Nicholls responsible for five of those in the Kempton racing odds.

However, it is Long Run who is expected to be the biggest danger to Kauto Star and he is second favourite in the horse racing betting odds market at 5/1.

A £10 bet on Sizing Europe winning the King George could lead to a return of £100 and Ladbrokes will refund all stakes on non-runners in the ante-post market. New Ladbrokes customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.