There is little doubt Kauto Star will win the King George VI Chase for a fourth time at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Only an accident can surely stop him from equalling the record of Desert Orchid but he will go one better in doing it four years in a row compared to Dessie’s four triumphs in five years after the grey fell in 1991.

Even champion Tony McCoy, who was second last year on Albertas Run, cannot see Kauto being dethroned. “Only the weather will beat him,” says McCoy.

The odds about Kauto will not appeal to many punters and he could go off as short as 1-2. He is already that price with some firms, although on the drift on Betfair at 4-6 which at this point in time, does represent value.

Betfair spokesman Barry Orr said: “With one Betfair Million bonus, two Cheltenham Gold Cups and three Betfair Chases already inked into the most impressive of CVs, you could have reasonably expected Kauto Star to be all the rage in his bid for a fourth King George.

“But he is out to 4-6 on Betfair in an otherwise static market that sees Imperial Commander trading at 13-2 and Madison Du Berlais 11-1.

“The good news is that Kempton has been backed into 1-5 to get the go ahead on Boxing Day.”

On ratings, Kauto is 9lbs ahead of the rest headed by Imperial Commander who almost beat him in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November.

But the Commander is not the same horse at Kempton as he showed last year and those seeking an each-way alternative, could do worse that risk a few quid on Deep Purple at 16-1.

This fellow, trained by Evan Williams, won the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon and Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby and continues to improve.

Distance betting has its appeal, especially the 3-1 about Ruby Walsh steering Star home by between four and 10 lengths. He was eight lengths in front of Albertas Run last year.

Nicky Henderson is always worth following at the Kempton meeting and Punchestowns will take some stopping in the Feltham Chase. Indeed, he also introduces a French newcomer in this race — Long Run — but it will be a major shock if he beats Punchestowns on his first race in England.

William Hill King George: How Far Will Kauto Star Win By?:16-1 Under one length, 12-1 One to 1 3/4 lengths; 10-1 Two to three and 3/4 lengths; 3-1 Four to 10 lengths, 9-2 Over 10 lengths .

Kauto Star Special: 4-1 to win the King George & Gold Cup.

To win the King George – Betfair bet: 4-6 Kauto Star, 13-2 Imperial Commander, 11-1 Madison Du Berlais, 16-1 Deep Purple, 21-1 Barbers Shop, 24-1 Nacarat. 37-1 Albertas Run, 64-1 Tartak, 84-1 Our Vic, 89-1 Master Medic, 169-1 Racing Demon, 299-1 Roll Along, 499-1 Ollie Magern.