King George form looks believable despite lowest winning mark in a decade

Might Bite didn't need to improve his Racing Post Rating to justify favouritism in the 32Red King George VI Chase, and his winning mark of 173 rates is the lowest in the past decade.

Along with Bristol De Mai, Fox Norton and Whisper he boasted recent chase form to suggest this had the makings of a strong King George, but he was the only one of the quartet to run up to scratch.

Surprise runner-up Double Shuffle (170) had won a handicap off an official mark of just 143 over course and distance on this day last year and, although probably flattered to finish a length behind Might Bite, has to be credited with a big career-best figure.

Third home Tea For Two (168), beaten out of sight behind Bristol De Mai at Haydock last month, returned to the level of last season's Aintree win.