Kauto Star Betting at William Hill Festival

Wise men (and women) could do worse on Boxing Day than follow the star of Kempton (Kauto Star), who is bidding to win his fourth consecutive King George IV Chase. The adoring public may not showe gold, frankincense and myrrh on the sport's true king but he may recieve a few sugar cubes and a place in the record books if he surmounts the unthinkable. The King George IV Chase is the big race of the newly branded William Hill Winter Festival, which takes place on Boxing day and December 27th at Kempton Park. Without doubt the highlight of the winter period for jump racing and a great opportunity for bookmakers to drum up some post-Christmas business. This year's meeting promises to be a very unique spectacle, as it also includes the William Hill King George Chase, and tickets are expected to be inexcess of last year, with hospitality already sold out.

The buzz surrounding Kauto Star's chance at a fourth successive King george is capturing the public's imagination.

Last year he single handedly moved racing out of the racing pages and into the mainstream news and it was an hoonour to watch him win his third, and ticket sales are certinly boosted with news of his return. Attendances are expected to push 25,000 and this will be increased by a world wide television audience of millions. As to this year's spectacle, Kauto Star unsuprisingly heads the betting, with William Hill going even money that the Paul Nicholls trained horse will land the spoils.Madison du Berlais lies second in the betting at a tempting 5/1 and it is believed that he can ruffle a few feathers. Of the other contenders lining up for the trophy, Kauto Star has the measure of Voy Por Ustedes, Imperial Commander and Albertas run last year while there are decent horses about it looks unlikely any of them will be able to turn the tables on last year's race.