King George VI Chase 2018: Nicky Henderson admits last year’s winner Might Bite needs ‘personal best’ to win again
Might Bite was disappointing on his seasonal reappearance and must show significant improvement at Kempton
NICKY HENDERSON reckons Might Bite will have to produce a "personal best" if he is to successfully defend his King George crown.
Henderson's chaser is still the favourite to land back-to-back renewals of the race despite a disappointing return.
The nine-year-old came home last of the five runners in the Betfair Chase when Bristol De Mai produced a thrilling performance.
Henderson said: “He had a nice spin on the grass this morning with the likes of Buveur D’Air and and is in great shape.
“Obviously, it didn’t all go to plan at Haydock so I’m just drawing a line through it and focusing on getting him back for this.
“He looks fantastic, but this is a mighty race and so much better than last year and I think it’s fair to say he has to produce a personal best, but I couldn’t be happier with him and he’s there to give it his best shot.
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“I think Politologue will get the trip, in which case he will be very dangerous and Thistlecrack ran very well at Haydock so shouldn’t be discounted either.”
The other four runners from the Betfair Chase - Thistlecrack, Bristol De Mai, Native River and Clan Des Obeaux - all renew their rivalry at Kempton.
Paul Nicholls has sent out a record nine previous winners of the King George and his Clan Des Obeaux will be joined by the well fancied Politologue.
2015 Gold Cup winner Coneygree, last year’s runner-up Double Shuffle, Tea For Two and Ruth Jefferson’s stable star Waiting Patiently complete the field.