Vautour to lead Irish bid for King George V1 Chase at Kempton

Irish raiders Vautour and Don Cossack head the ante-post market after 32 entries were revealed for the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.

The Willie Mullins-trained Vautour, impressive winner of the JLT Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last season, is an 11-4 favourite with the sponsors.

Last weekend's JNwine.com Champion Chase scorer Don Cossack, trained by Gordon Elliott, is 4-1 second best.

Willie Mullins has the most entries with five horses in the list with Djakadam, Don Poli, Sir Des Champs and Valseur Lido completing his team from a total of nine Irish entries.

Silviniaco Conti, winner of this prestigious race for the last two years, is 6-1 to complete the hat-trick.

He is among four from the Paul Nicholls yard along with Ptit Zig, Saphir Du Rheu and Southfield Theatre.

Nicky Henderson is represented by Ma Filleule and Simonsig, who is set to return from a lengthy absence over hurdles at Aintree on Saturday.

International feel

David Pipe

has three – Kings Palace, Ballynagour and Dynaste – while Philip Hobbs looks to Captain Chris and Menorah.

There are also three entries from France – Pindare, Shannon Rock and Saint Palois.

“There is an international feel about this year’s entries and tremendous strength in depth,”said William Hill spokesman Jon Ivan-Duke.

Gordon Elliott has pinpointed the Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase on November 29th for his exciting prospect No More Heroes.

The Gigginstown Stud- owned six-year-old was one of the better staying novice hurdlers last season but always looked one likely to excel over fences.

He made a flawless chasing debut at Punchestown last week and Elliott feels he is ready for the massive hike to Grade One level.

Writing on his Boylesports blog, Elliott said: “I thought No More Heroes jumped very well.

“We’ll go for the Drinmore with him next. He came out of the race at Punchestown very well and he’s favourite for the RSA Chase now.

“He looks more in his own over fences now and we’re really looking forward to it.”