Noland set to make long-awaited return in King George after workout at Kempton

(AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

The odds against Noland winning the William Hill King George VI Chase on Boxing Day remain pretty long, even before you factor in the snow still lying over the frost blankets at Kempton. On the adjacent all-weather track, however, he was yesterday able to complete an utterly surreal preparation for the big race.

Noland, whose career has been spoiled by protracted absences, resurfaced in one of the special "bumpers for jumpers" provided on the Flat to help jumps trainers beat the freeze. It was his first public appearance since he won the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown just over two years ago and while he could not match the speed of his stablemate, Pepe Simon, he stayed on with such gusto for second that Paul Nicholls was inclined to bring him back at the end of the week.

The trainer's priority for the King George remains Kauto Star, who had managed two canters in the morning despite the conditions at Ditcheat. "There will be no excuses for fitness," Nicholls promised. Beneath the blankets, the track remained raceable, and Kempton is preparing to bring in earth-movers should the snow fail to thaw.

Turf account

Nap

Love You Louis (4.25 Kempton) From a stable on a hot streak, burned off all bar one of his pursuers over course and distance last time, and now faces less competition for the lead.

Next best

Indian Violet (6.55 Kempton) Looks a different horse since changing stable and, though raised another 5lbs for latest win, was always going well and had plenty in hand.

One to watch

Mr Macattack (Tom Dascombe) Made a promising return from a lay-off at Wolverhampton the other night, emerging from well off the pace for third.

Where the money's going

Bluesea Cracker, already winner of the Irish version, is 9-1 from 12-1 with the sponsors for the Coral Welsh National on Monday.

Today's selections

Kempton 3.55 Mosa Mine 4.25 Grudge 4.55 Corsican Boy 5.25 New Code 5.55 Tewin Wood 6.25 Private Joke 6.55 Indian Violet

Lingfield 12.35 Motirani 1.05 Amends 1.35 D'Artagnan 2.05 Final Drive 2.35 Anne Of Kiev 3.05 Espy 3.35 Dancing Welcome

Southwell 12.50 Inthesettlement 1.20 Pickworth 1.50 Twentynineblack 2.20 Bivouac 2.50 Alfie Flits 3.20 Priceless Art