VOY POR USTEDES is reported to be in tip-top condition ahead of the Stan James King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.
The 2007 Queen Mother Champion Chase hero, trained by Alan King, is stepping up to three miles for the first time as he takes on Kauto Star, winner of the Christmas cracker for the past two years. "He's in great shape, he's done plenty of schooling, a couple of serious pieces of work, so he's bang on course and we are looking forward to it," said racing manager Barry Simpson for owner Robert Ogden. "Alan's been very upbeat since the horse ran at Aintree, we couldn't be more delighted."
Ogden also has Exotic Dancer in the Kempton showpiece, but the Jonjo O'Neill-trained gelding holds an alternative entry in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday.
"I've been looking at the two races, I'm going to be chatting with Jonjo tomorrow, I shall be speaking to Sir Robert and we will make a firm plan," Simpson continued.
"I have said all along it wasn't the intention for them to run against one other and that is still my thought but I don't want to mislead people and say there is no chance he will run.
"I'm not going to say it won't happen. It is still a possible but at this moment I favour Voy Por in the King George and Exotic Dancer in the Lexus.
"If it was the Gold Cup it wouldn't be an issue but there is an alternative for Exotic Dancer and we might just take that route."
KING GEORGE VI CHASE, Stan James bet: 6-4 Kauto Star, 7-2 Voy Por Ustedes, 7-1 Imperial Commander, 10-1 Our Vic, Air Force One, 14-1 Tamarinbleu, 16-1 War Of Attrition, 20-1 Exotic Dancer, Snoopy Loopy, 40-1 Briareus, 66-1 Albertas Run, 500-1 Mont Misere.
