George ready to chase big prizes with star Nacarat

Exciting chaser Nacarat will make his seasonal reappearance in the William Hill Gold Cup at Exeter on 3 November en route to his main target - the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

Outlining plans for several of his stable stars, trainer Tom George said the Racing Post Chase winner's season will be geared to taking on the likes of jumping greats Kauto Star and Denman.

George said: "Nacarat is in super form. He's been back in the yard since July and he looks great. The plan is to start him off over in the William Hill Gold Cup at Exeter.

"We started him off at Exeter last season, but two miles and a furlong is probably not far enough for him.

"We're likely to go to Haydock next and step him up to Grade 1 company for the Betfair Chase and then it's on to the King George."

Gold Cup-winning rider Sam Thomas, who left Paul Nicholls's yard in May to become George's No1 jockey, is not the only new acquisition to the increasingly powerful Gloucestershire stable.

Regal Heights, a 150-rated chaser with Donald McCain last season, is one of many new faces.

George added: "This season we've got the best bunch of horses we've had by a long way."

The 42-year-old is also hoping that Tartak, who won a Grade 2 novices' chase at Aintree on his last start, could develop into something special.

"Tartak was very unlucky in the Arkle at Cheltenham prior to that," said George.

"He's really improved physically. His first major target will be the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November."