Racing: Kauto Star will face eight rivals as he bids to create history by winning a fifth consecutive William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Saturday.
However, following the anticipated withdrawal of Sizing Europe, the sole Irish challenger is Tom Cooper's Forpadydeplasterer.
Kauto Star equalled Desert Orchid's record in the Christmas highlight last season and will finally get the chance to go one better following the Boxing Day abandonment.
Paul Nicholls' 11-year-old, the best chaser of his generation, won his first start of the season at Down Royal and is an odds-on favourite to strike again. He will be joined by stablemate The Nightingale, also a winner at Down Royal this campaign and the subject of sustained support in the ante-post market this week in anticipation of his favoured soft ground.
Nicky Henderson looks like posing the biggest threat to Kauto Star with two fancied runners - the much-hyped Long Run and Riverside Theatre, owned by actor James Nesbitt.
Long Run is returning to the scene of his most impressive performance in England which came in the Feltham Novices' Chase last Christmas. Riverside Theatre also likes the Sunbury venue and is unbeaten in four starts there.
Last season's runner-up Madison Du Berlais will represent David Pipe and will be ridden by Danny Cook in the absence of the injured Tom Scudamore.
Charlie Hall Chase winner Nacarat, fourth last season, will be ridden by Paddy Brennan for Tom George, while Jonjo O'Neill has declared Albertas Run.
Philip Hobbs' Planet Of Sound, the Punchestown Gold Cup winner, will also take his chance.
Nigel Twiston-Davies's veteran Ollie Magern was withdrawn.