News: Kicking King's preparation for the defence of his King George VI title took another step yesterday morning when a satisfactory work-out resulted in an all systems-go report for Sandown on Monday week.

The Gold Cup hero appears to have recovered from the hoof injury that ruined his chances in last month's Betfair Chase at Haydock and trainer Tom Taaffe expressed his happiness with the work that Kicking King put in yesterday.

"I was very happy with him. Obviously I will look at him again next week and take it from there. He has to do another bit of work then and that should bring us to Sandown," Taaffe said.

Kicking King has been beaten in both starts this season having managed only a second to War Of Attrition at Punchestown in October. Despite those two defeats he remains a general 7 to 4 favourite for the King George and also heads most of the ante-post lists for the Gold Cup.

Kicking King's rider Barry Geraghty is an interesting booking for Bluestone Lad in the novice handicap chase at Fairyhouse this afternoon.

Pat Fahy's horse was a winner over hurdles here last January off a mark of 102 and has been given the same mark over fences after three chase starts to date. Bluestone Lad's jumping has not been foot-perfect on occasion but a confident Geraghty will help there.

David Casey looks like he could have a successful weekend ahead of him and Homer Wells should be a good ride in the first Beginners Chase. The trip and the track were hardly ideal for this out and out stayer last time and this looks a better opportunity.

Artist's Muse found only King Of Merlia too good on his jumping debut at Navan and the form has been boosted during the week. The in-form Davy Russell takes over from the injured Ruby Walsh and Russell's hot-streak can continue here.

Loss Of Faith's experience could be crucial in the second Beginners Chase.