Horse racing betting: Stan James King George VI chase

Very rarely do we consider backing horses when they are priced at odds-on, but a massive wager on Kauto Star to win the Stan James King George VI chase at Kempton at 2.30pm on Boxing Day looks bound to bring the Christmas cheer to the bah-humbug brigade. Click here for a free £25 to bet on the King George VI chase with Stan James The last time we went in at short prices was when we suggested that Kauto Star would win the Betfair Chase at Haydock, and anyone who followed our advice to back Paul Nicholls' superstar at evens was duly rewarded when the best chaser in Britain and Ireland put in a commanding performance. Those who take their betting on racing seriously will know that it wasn't a flawless display that saw Kauto Star finish just half a length ahead of Exotic Dancer that day. The champ idled in front, which prompted some less-than-serious exclamations that he is on the decline, but rarely does he hit the front of a race so early. The ground was also on the soft side, and that sort of going round the Merseyside track can often be a real slog, meaning jockey Sam Thomas was perhaps being kind in the saddle. One thing on the plus side that hasn't been mentioned much in the fierce glare of the post-race analysis is Kauto Star's seemingly improved jumping. He was virtually foot perfect at Haydock - never the easiest fences to tackle at the best of times - and his leaps at the fifth-last, and the final fence, where he often loses concentration slightly, were nothing short of sensational. The only blot on Kauto Star's CV in his last eight races was a defeat at the hands of Monet's Garden at Aintree on his seasonal bow. Trainer Paul Nicholls clearly stated that he wasn't fully fit ahead of that assignment. There was also the small matter of a whole stone in weight difference carried that day and giving the winner that amount of lead is no disgrace. Stan James have gone out of their way to accommodate punters, who are desperate to side with Nicholls' charge, and at 5/6 he clearly represents value aiming for back-to-back King Georges. Exotic Dancer is one of the most unlucky horses in training as he has put in some heroic performances in each of the four occasions he has finished behind Kauto Star. He is getting closer as well, having finished eight-lengths behind the favourite in this meeting last year and just half a length at Haydock. But we have already dealt with why Jonjo O'Neill's game runner-up finished so close that day and it is surely too much to suggest that he has improved past his constant conqueror, even at Paddy Power's 6/1. The fly in the ointment is of course My Way De Solzen. The World Hurdle winner is quickly showing that he can be as versatile as Kauto Star. He won the 3m hurdle feature at last year's Festival before hacking up in the 2m Arkle Chase this year in a time second only to the legendary Moscow Flyer. Back up to three miles though, over the bigger obstacles, and he fluffed his lines against Kauto Star last time out at Haydock. Matching the champ stride for stride until four out, My Way De Solzen looked mighty impressive but found the lack of a prep run against him. Trainer Alan King went on the record beforehand to say that his stable's flag-bearer would not be 100 per cent for that match-up - he blew for a full 35 minutes after the race - and punters can surely expect a better performance this time around. Alan King said: "Since Haydock he has worked twice a week since then, and he'll work again on Saturday." Ladbrokes offer 7/1 for those who want to back something at a price. Whether My Way De Solzen is good enough to beat Kauto Star, or even Exotic Dancer, is questionable, and the forecast of the big two looks the most likely with Kauto Star becoming the fifth favourite in the last six years to take this Christmas contest. Verdict: 5pts Kauto Star @ 5/6 (Stan James) Click here for a free £25 to bet on the King George VI chase with Stan James