Emmet Mullins eyeing King George tilt for runaway Cheltenham Festival winner Corbetts Cross

Last season's impressive National Hunt Chase winner Corbetts Cross is being geared up for a tilt at the King George VI next month by trainer Emmet Mullins.

The JP McManus-owned chaser missed the Betfair Chase won by Royal Pagaille on Saturday and Mullins believes that now looks a smart move for his seven-year-old, who is a general 12-1 for the Kempton Grade 1 on December 26.

A Grade 2 winner over hurdles, Corbetts Cross had a productive novice campaign over fences, climaxing in a sparkling display in the National Hunt Chase under Derek O'Connor at the Cheltenham Festival, where he charged 17 lengths clear of Embassy Gardens.

Mullins opted to step him up to open Grade 1 company in the Bowl at Aintree and he performed with plenty of credit when beaten two and three-quarter lengths into third by Gerri Colombe.

After returning with a second-placed effort behind Heart Wood at Wexford last month, when he had to concede over a stone to the winner, the Betfair Chase was earmarked as his next target but connections kept him at home and are now eyeing a tilt at Kempton.

"He didn't go to the Betfair Chase and that looks a wise decision now," said Mullins. "Fingers crossed, we can get him to the King George. 

"I was happy with his comeback run at Wexford and he definitely needed it. He was beaten a similar margin behind Heart Wood at Naas on his first run back last season as well. He's on track at the moment and is in good form."

Gaelic Warrior heads the betting for the King George for trainer Willie Mullins, who also has Il Etait Temps, Galopin Des Champs, Blue Lord, Grangeclare West, Minella Cocooner, Ferny Hollow and Capodanno entered.

Fastorslow and Spillane's Tower, who finished fourth and second in Sunday's John Durkan at Punchestown, can both be backed at 8-1 but need to be supplemented for the race.

King George VI Chase (Kempton, December 26)

William Hill: 5-2 Gaelic Warrior, 7 Il Etait Temps, 8 Fastorslow, Galopin Des Champs, Spillane's Tower, 10 Corbetts Cross, Envoi Allen, Banbridge, 12 bar

Read more like this:

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'He'll get three miles and the King George is a possibility' – Paul Nicholls leaves Kempton door ajar for Pic D'Orhy 

'These are the days you live for' – Royale Pagaille completes 100th Grade 1 win for jubilant Rich Ricci with second Betfair success 

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