Biting back: Henderson has Might Bite ready to roll for King George repeat

Might Bite is ready to repeat his 32Red King George Chase heroics of last year without any remedial work on either his jumping or his mental state after his horror show at Haydock, according to trainer Nicky Henderson.

After consulting legendary jumping tutor Yogi Breisner, the consensus about Might Bite's Haydock performance was it was all down to his rhythm – or lack of it – rather than any flaw in his jumping technique.

Henderson said: "I rang Yogi on the Sunday and he agreed with me that Might Bite seemed to lack rhythm. His jumping is not a problem, nothing like Long Run's. He and Bobs Worth were others who simply didn't enjoy Haydock. Some do, some don't.

"He doesn't need any remedial schooling, he has schooled once since last week and was brilliant. There were no signs of Haydock having left a mark and he will school again this week and next. We'll just forget that day. On the day Bristol De Mai has won fair and square."

Bristol De Mai en route to victory in the Betfair Chase at HaydockCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Henderson is drawing succour and inspiration from his two previous Gold Cup winners Long Run and Bobs Worth, who both shrugged off similar Haydock reverses.

Might Bite is a top-priced 100-30 chance to repeat last year's Kempton triumph and Henderson said: "He wasn't earth shatteringly impressive last year but he likes the track. He loved it the year before until the last fence in the Feltham. It was frightening what he did that day until the last fence."

Henderson singled out Politologue as the big danger, adding: "Altior left him a clear run last year in the Tingle Creek and Desert Orchid but now he is back and is better I can see Politologue making up into a good stayer."

That was endorsed by the grey's trainer, Paul Nicholls, who is seeking a tenth win in the race. He said: "I don't think three miles will be a problem. He is bred to stay and the way he travelled supremely well and galloped all the way over two miles five furlongs at Ascot last time gives confidence and he is two from two at Kempton.

"He idled in front at Ascot as he does and wants something to take him into the race further, which will happen in the King George."

Nicholls confirmed Sam Twiston-Davies would keep the ride on the John Hales-owned grey, with Harry Cobden partnering his other runner Clan Des Obeaux.

Politologue: in fine form as trainer Paul Nicholls seeks tenth King George victoryCredit: Henry Browne

Kempton clerk of the course Barney Clifford did not have good news for Presenting Percy's connections, who are looking for soft ground over Christmas for the RSA Chase winner.

Clifford said: "The ground is good, good to soft in places and it dries quickly so I would like 10-15mm more rain before Boxing Day to produce championship racing ground. You're not going to get ground softer than at Leopardstown with the forecast for just enough rain to keep us where we are now."

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