SIX runners have been declared for Boxing Day's blockbuster King George VI Chase at Kempton.
The big news in the run-up was that Gordon Elliott's Gerri Colombe was out of the Christmas cracker.
His huge Gold Cup hope - who was favourite for the Grade 1 for several days - will run in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown on December 28 instead, where he will meet last year's Festival hero Galopin Des Champs.
That means heading the market is Willie Mullins' dual Ryanair hero Allaho, who will be ridden by Paul Townend.
He is 6-4 to take home the prize, while Paul Nicholls' defending champ Bravemansgame is 2-1.
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There has been a big market move for Nicky Henderson's Shishkin.
Punters clearly think his refusal to race last time out was a one-off.
And they are banking on him to quash his trainer's doubts about going to the contest without a prep run.
Venetia Williams confirmed Betfair Chase hero Royale Pagaille was out.
That means The Real Whacker, the only horse to ever beat Gerri Colombe, has been backed into 15-2 for trainer Patrick Neville.
Irish raider Hewick is into 14s in a place - and trainer Shark Hanlon has booked the in-form Gavin Sheehan for his Sandown Grade 2 winner.
Finally, Bryony Frost looks to be fit enough to ride Frodon.
The December Gold Cup runner-up was in a hospital dash on Monday after suffering a schooling fall.
But she has been jocked up aboard the 40-1 outsider, who will complete the line-up.
Latest King George odds from Coral
Horse racing tips: This 17-2 chance running over ideal trip is one of three place punts on Monday
6-4 Allaho
2 Bravemansgame
9-2 Shishkin
15-2 The Real Whacker
14 Hewick
40 Frodon
Coral's Lewis Knowles said: "It’s a real shame that Royale Pagaille will miss the King George, but there has been a suspicion Kempton isn’t the best fit for Venetia Williams’ horse, and no doubt he’ll be a contender in the big staying chases for the remainder of the season.
"We have seen some support for Shishkin in the last 24 hours, and following the final declarations earlier today, he’s now 9-2 to give Nicky Henderson a fourth win in the race."
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