Envoi Allen pointed at King George with Allaho ruled out of Kempton

During his stable tour at the start of the season, Willie Mullins identified the King George as an objective for Allaho. Mullins' two-time Ryanair Chase winner bolted up in the Punchestown Gold Cup at the end of last season and many had been anticipating a stunning showdown between Allaho and Bravemansgame in the main event at Kempton over Christmas.

When Allaho's name didn't appear in the entries for the Clonmel Oil Chase, questions were raised about his fitness. Speaking to Sky Sports Racing on Friday, Cheveley Park director Richard Thompson confirmed that Allaho won't be out until after Christmas, following a setback.

Thompson was keen not to dwell on his injured champion and confirmed that Envoi Allen would make the trip to Kempton on Boxing Day.

“We have had a great run with these horses but these things happen. Envoi will go for the King George." Thompson said.

“We’ve won 23 Grade Ones in four years and counting, from only a few horses. Everything now is a bonus.”

Once touted as a future Gold Cup winner, Henry De Bromhead dropped Envoi Allen down to two miles last season. The confidence gained from a series of good performances over the minimum was evident at Down Royal earlier this month, as Envoi Allen marked his return to three miles with an excellent victory in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase.

De Bromhead's seven-time winner is now the 4/1 second favourite in bet365's betting for the King George VI Chase. With Allaho now out of the race, Bravemansgame is the 11/10 favourite, with L'Homme Presse, Galopin Des Champs and last year's surprise winner, Tornado Flyer also sitting prominently in the market.