Might Bite heads eleven confirmed for King George as Altior gets scratched

MIGHT BITE will have to see off ten top-class rivals if he's to defend his King George crown.

Trainer Nicky Henderson confirmed his star for the contest on the same morning he ruled out Tingle Creek winner Altior.

However, last year's winner will need to recover from a lacklustre display in the Betfair Chase at Haydock last time out, where he finished last behind Bristol De Mai.

Nigel Twiston-Davies' challenger was impressive that day and will bid to supplement the victory with a King George success.

That proved beyond him last year, though, and he needs to prove he's not just a one-trick pony.

Thistlecrack, winner of the race in 2016, produced a promising comeback at Haydock but will want to fully rediscover the zest that saw him whizz to victory two years ago.

Colin Tizzard is also responsible for last season's Gold Cup winner Native River, who will many people's idea of the winner after reappearing with a fine second at Haydock.

Coneygree, another former Gold Cup winner, will take his chance for Mark Bradstock, while Politologue will bid to prove the doubters wrong over the longest trip he's faced in his career to date.

Alongside John Hales' contender, Paul Nicholls also fields Clan Des Obeaux, who is another to have run a decent race behind Bristol De Mai in the Betfair Chase.

Perhaps the most exciting entry is the unexposed Waiting Patiently, who was last seen thrashing Cue Card at Ascot earlier this year.

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If returning in that form he'll make them all go and trainer Ruth Jefferson is notably confident.

Shattered Love will fly the flag for Ireland, though she'll need to improve on recent performances if she's to get off the mark for the campaign.

Former Feltham winner Tea For Two and last year's runner-up Double Shuffle complete a field full of class.