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BITE'S BACK

King George 2018: First acceptors for the Grade 1 contest at Kempton on Boxing Day

Might Bite landed the King George for Nicky Henderson in 2017

LAST year's hero Might Bite is one of 19 horses in contention for the King George VI Chase at Sandown on Boxing Day.

Nicky Henderson's chaser put in a top performance to claim the crown 12 months ago and could be back to defend it.

Might Bite landed the King George for Nicky Henderson in 2017
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Might Bite landed the King George for Nicky Henderson in 2017Credit: Getty Images - Getty

However, he must bounce back from a disappointing return where he trailed in last of five in the Betfair Chase.

Plenty of last year's Kempton challengers could be back for another crack at the race.

Double Shuffle (2nd), Tea For Two (3rd) Thistlecrack (4th) and Bristol De Mai (6th) are all entered.

Former Gold Cup winner Coneygree, who showed he still loves the game when an admirable third at Cheltenham last time, may also run.


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Trainer Paul Nicholls has three entries, including recent Ascot winner Politologue who is the shortest price of his runners at a general 7-1 shot.

Nicholls could also saddle Clan Des Obeaux and Black Corton.

Henderson's Might Bite tops the entries but the Seven Barrows handler has also given top two-mile chaser Altior the option, Top Notch completes Henderson's possible runners.

Harry Whittington's Saint Calvados, due to take on Altior in the Tingle Creek, could also line up.

Colin Tizzard's Sizing Tennessee bolted up in the Ladbrokes Trophy and could step up to the top level at Kempton. He may be joined by reigning Gold Cup champion Native River.

Ruth Jefferson's talented chaser Waiting Patiently could make his seasonal reappearance in the race having been off the track since winning at Ascot in February.

Irish trainer Gordon Elliott is also triple-handed in the initial entries with Don Poli, Outlander and Shattered Love.

The potential field of 19 is completed by Noel Meade's Disko.

Former jockey and racing broadcaster Mick Fitzgerald gives Q+A
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