‘We’ll see if the Irish even turn up’ – Paul Nicholls taunts Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott ahead of King George

BULLISH Paul Nicholls has wanred the Irish big guns not to get too Brave ahead of the King George.

Last year's Kempton hero Bravemansgame is 'A1' according to the Ditcheat maestro ahead of their title defence.

Coral reported Gordon Elliott's huge Gold Cup chance Gerri Colombe was their new favourite for the Boxing Day blockbuster yesterday.

While Willie Mullins' dual Ryanair hero Allaho was also slashed after the Closutton boss confirmed the 3m chase is the plan.

But Nicholls remains confident in his defending champ, despite starting this season with two defeats.

And he said he is not scared of the two Irish raiders - or plotting to campaign Bravemansgame elsewhere.

Nicholls told Sun Racing: "He's come out of Haydock well, he worked on Wednesday morning and I'd say he's in excellent shape.

"It's full steam ahead to the King George, he's in excellent nick and I just can't wait to get there.

"Why would I shirk the issue just because Allaho and Gerri Colombe are coming over?

"It's a home game for him in many ways, as he's won a pair of Grade 1s at Kempton on Boxing Day already.

"It'll be some spectacle if they all run, but a lot can happen in a few weeks.

"We'll have to see whether the Irish even turn up.

"And even if they do turn up, I still think we're the one to beat.

"Bravemansgame absolutely loves the track and I'll have him better than he was at Haydock, where the track wouldn't have suited him as much as Kempton will."

Ladbrokes King George VI Chase

9-4 Gerri Colombe
5-2 Bravemansgame
7-2 Allaho
6 Shishkin
9 The Real Whacker
10 Royale Pagaille
20 Pic D’Orhy
25 Galopin Des Champs
33 Hewick
40 Bar