Sir Alex Ferguson holds the key to the Boxing Day blockbuster at Kempton Park with his superstar horse Clan Des Obeaux.
The former Manchester United manager watched his pride and joy race to victory in the King George VI Chase in 2018 and 2019.
And the horse’s trainer Paul Nicholls is bullish about the chance of Clan Des Obeaux making it a third success on December 26.
Last season the horse was third to stablemate Frodon in the King George when bidding for the hat-trick of victories in the Kempton headliner.
Owned by Sir Alex, Paul barber and Ged Mason, the trainer is adopting a new approach this year.
Nicholls, who has won the King George VI Chase a record 12 times, said: “It was not an ideal preparation last year. Clan went to Haydock and had a hard race but this year will go there without a run.
“With no disrespect to Frodon, he will have it all to do against Clan. At his very best Clan is the one they all have to beat.
Sir Alex’s horse sparkled in a gallop at Newbury racecourse yesterday and the football legend has another equine ace up his sleeve in Monmiral, who could develop into a Champion Hurdle contender.
Also trained by Nicholls, he will know if he is heading for the Champion Hurdle after he has run in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday week.
“It will tell us where we are going,” added Nicholls about the hurdler. "I’ve always thought of him as more of a chaser needing a trip.”
Nicholls also has his eye on a third victory in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury on Saturday week.
“We have Enrilo in this year’s race. He also worked well at Newbury and Harry (Cobden) was chuffed.
“I decided to bypass the Badger Beer as it would have meant carrying a penalty if he had won.”
