McFabulous can ignite 2023 King George dream in Kauto Star, says Nicholls

McFabulous is rated so highly Paul Nicholls is already dreaming of the 2023 King George, and the exciting talent will get the opportunity to strengthen those ambitions in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

The Grade 1 is staged over the same course and distance as the King George but no former winner has gone on to follow up in Britain's festive highlight since Long Run in 2009.

Bravemansgame is favourite to end that drought this month and Nicholls believes McFabulous will also be a live contender for next year's race. Giraffa Racing's eight-year-old made amends for flopping on his chasing debut by surging to an easy win at Exeter and then defeating Thyme Hill conclusively in a Grade 2 at Newbury last month.

Nicholls, who is chasing a record sixth win in the race, said: "He jumped fantastically well at Newbury. We always thought he'd be a great chaser and he loves Kempton – he won the [rescheduled] Relkeel and the EBF Final there. The right-handed flat track is made for him.

"He was going to go chasing last season but had a setback and it's probably the best thing that's ever happened to him. Although he's eight going on nine he's going to be at the top level for the next two or three years. We've always thought he could be a King George horse one day, that's what the owners have dreamed of, and he could pitch up there next year.

"The Kauto Star will be a great race for him. He won't mind the ground, but he won't want it very testing."

Nicholls said Gelino Bello would also get an entry in the race named after the yard's former star, but he was more likely to run at Warwick in the new year.

Hermes Allen: set for first run at Grade 1 level at NewburyCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Miranda will also feature in the rescheduled Long Walk Hurdle on Kempton's Boxing Day card. The race switch from Ascot may even work in her favour according to the trainer, given she was an 11-length winner at the track on her last start.

"The Long Walk going to Kempton on Boxing Day is quite handy as we'd run Miranda in that," Nicholls added. "She's won there before and the flat track suits her well."

The champion trainer is set for a busy festive period and will chase further Grade 1 riches with Hermes Allen in Newbury's Challow Novices' Hurdle on New Year's Eve.

The five-year-old was a nine-length winner at Cheltenham's November meeting on just his second start for the yard and is a general 8-1 chance for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at the festival in March.

Nicholls is chasing a third consecutive victory in Newbury's only Grade 1 following victories for Bravemansgame and Stage Star. "He appears to be in good shape and we'll look to run him in the Challow," he added. "He's two from two and we're very happy with him. I think Newbury will suit him well so I'll look forward to that."

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