'We haven't seen the best of him yet' - key trainer quotes for the King George

Monday: 2.30 Kempton
Ladbrokes King George VI Chase (Grade 1) | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

Success on this day last year fuelled Paul Nicholls' ambition that Bravemansgame could deliver the champion trainer with a 13th victory in the King George and everything so far has gone perfectly to plan.

The seven-year-old, who gave Ahoy Senor a significant beating in the Kauto Star over course and distance last season, made a flawless return in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby in October to ensure he arrives spot on for the biggest test of his career.

Yet he is not the sole challenger from Ditcheat. Frodon looks for another surprise success, two years on from his memorable upset, while Hitman is the youngest in the line-up and his trainer believes he could have major potential.

Nicholls has called Bravemansgame the yard's main hope in the build-up and said: "He's in good shape and enjoyed a good prep. We’ve kept him for this race. He won at this track last year and seems progressive. I’m very happy with him.

"Hitman's in great shape. I’m sure he’ll get the trip, and it could bring out improvement in him. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet.

"Frodon has been quite busy, winning at Wincanton carrying a big weight and then finishing third in the Betfair Chase. We’ve freshened him up since, he’s a past winner and goes there as a lively outsider."

Williams looks to roll back the years

Almost a quarter of a century has passed since Teeton Mill's victory in this race for Venetia Williams but the Herefordshire trainer has a new star in her ranks in L'Homme Presse.

Williams has a habit of plundering big staying handicap prizes throughout the season and her classy challenger did just that on his return, winning the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle off top weight.

He had equally impressive Graded novice form from last season, having won the Brown Advisory at the Cheltenham Festival in March, and is joined by stablemate Royale Pagaille.

"I'm very fortunate to have one runner in the King George, let alone two," Williams said. "It'll be a first Graded race outside of novice company for L’Homme Presse and it’s a step up again. I hope he’ll run a good race.

"Royale Pagaille got held up for a while but is ready to run now. He’s a course-and-distance winner and deserves to take his chance."

'A good spot' for Envoi Allen

Tornado Flyer ended a 16-year drought for Irish-trained runners in this last season and Envoi Allen is the sole visitor this time for the Gold Cup-winning team of Henry de Bromhead, Rachael Blackmore and Cheveley Park.

Envoi Allen's invincible aura has long gone since his brilliant novice days but he produced a career-best in the Champion Chase at Down Royal on his comeback.

That too was a first time at this distance, other than a flop at Punchestown, and was a notable hint of a revival.

De Bromhead said: "He's done well since Down Royal and I've been very happy with him over the last few weeks. The plan was always to go to the King George after he won at Down Royal and his preparations have gone well.

"It's a very competitive race, as the King George always is, but I'm looking forward to seeing how he gets on."

What they say

Lucinda Russell, trainer of Ahoy Senor
He needs racing and he's improved with both runs this season. If he improves again he's got a chance of being in the first four. He wouldn't want too much rain.

Joe Tizzard, trainer of Eldorado Allen
He's had two cracking runs this season and seems in really good form. I'm not expecting him to go there and win it but he's a big price and has got a live each-way chance. He's beaten a couple of these previously and goes around Kempton so I think he'll go well.

Alex Hales, trainer of Millers Bank
I've always said he'd improve for a trip, all he was doing in the Peterborough Chase was galloping. Cheekpieces will help him travel better and if he can run above his odds we'll be delighted. It's a privilege to have a horse good enough to run in the race.

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