2009 KING GEORGE VI CHASE AT KEMPTON ODDS AND BETTING TIPS

One of the biggest races outside of the major jumps festivals is quickly approaching and we're here to take a look at some of the contenders, and the blockbuster favourite, for the widely-anticipated King George VI Chase. Of course, Paul Nicholl's Kauto Star is getting all the attention and the majority of the ante post betting market. This is a historic race for the famous French jumper and he looking to match up to the legendary Desert Orchid by winning four King George's. With Kauto doing just enough against Imperial Commander in his last outing, many are expecting a real classic performance in this year's edition. 
 
Popular bookmaker 888sports boasts a price of 4/7 on Kauto Star and this is a solid price to lock into, as I expect a significant amount of raceday action to lower the price. Punters flush with Christmas cash may be looking for a banker here, and there are few bankers in the business that are bigger than Kauto Star. This gelding has won all there is to win and he will be facing off against a few tricky challengers that will try to keep him from another line in the record books. 
Kauto's Betfair Chase nemesis Imperial Commander is the second favourite, according to the bookmakers, and commands an 11/2 price (11/4 w/o Kauto Star). Last year's Ryanair Chase winner was one of the closest photo losses I've seen in quite some time and he could be due for his share of luck. I think he got an absolutely perfect trip in the last go and I felt that several other runners in that race simply didn't show up. That last race could have been the Nigel Twiston-Davies' charges equivalent of fifth gear and he may not have more answers should Kauto ask additional questions. 
Madison Du Berlais is one of my ten to follow suggestions and he hasn't exactly lit the world on fire so far this season, but put in a solid 3rd place in the aforementioned chase behind IC and KS. The question with Madison Du Berlais, priced around 8/1 (7/2 w/o Kauto Star), is whether he's in a progressive position or not. He took the Levy Board Chase, the Betfair Chase and the totesport bowl at Aintree. He is really attempting to define himself at Grade 1 level and this would certain raise his profile. He remains a decent each-way selection, but I don't think he matches up to Kauto on a stretch drive. 
The biggest danger, for many, is likely to be the in-form Deep Purple and he boasts a brace of Grade 2's to open his 2009/10 season, staying on well in both races. This will be only his second step up to Grade 1 level and he could really cement himself as a Gold Cup contender if he defeats Kauto in Kauto's race. I think he will attract a fair amount of attention from punters, being a progressive-looking jumper and I think his price is destined to shorten. If you think Kauto is going to get beat- this is your each-way selection at an enticing 14/1 with 888 (6/1 w/o Kauto Star). 
Other contenders include: Barbers Shop - 14/1 (13/2), Nacarat - 16/1 (6/1), Albertas Run - 20/1 (9/1), Tartak - 33/1 (14/1), Master Medic - 40/1 (25/1), Our Vic - 40/1 (14/1), Racing Demon - 66/1 (33/1), Roll Along - 66/1 (33/1), Ollie McGern - 100/1 (33/1), Sandymac - 500/1 (200/1). 
888sports is also offering up an over/under market on Kauto Star's winning lengths. You can back him at over/under 6 lengths at a solid 2/1 for each selection
Our tip is Kauto Star - Deep Purple - Madison Du Berlais. Keep your eye on Tartak for an outside selection.