Ground eases ahead of King George

Kempton clerk of the course Brian Clifford is predicting ground on the softer side of good for the King George VI Chase on St…

Kempton clerk of the course Brian Clifford is predicting ground on the softer side of good for the King George VI Chase on St Stephen's Day.

Clifford walked the track this morning and he reports the going to be good to soft, good in places, despite some heavy rain over the last few days.

"We have had 31 millimetres of rain in the last three days but the track has taken it very, very well and we probably needed it after a dry November and beginning of December," he said.

"The forecast is for an unsettled patch in midweek, but then it is due to turn colder into Christmas. We have a sharp frost forecast for tonight, but it is due to get milder after that with the possibility of some showers, before turning more wintry towards the end of the week.

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"If I had to make a prediction for next week at present, I would say it will be on the soft side of good."

The Irish-trained Kicking King is favourite to win the prestigious race.