Shropshire's Noland for King George Chase at Kempton?

A soon to be arranged racecourse gallop will decide whether Shropshire owned Noland goes for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day - and take on mighty stablemate Kauto Star, writes BOB DOWNING.

Noland, who runs in the distinctive colours of Shropshire business man John Hales, is still to make his re-appearance following almost two years away from the track after injury.

But he has been given an entry in the Christmas cracker and Hales said today: "I am hopeful that we will be there."

He added: "He needs a racecourse gallop and that is what trainer Paul Nicholls is trying arrange.

"He has suffered a slight setback after being cast in his box but he is over that now."

He went on: "He is nine now and if he is going to go for the race, then this year looks the right time.

"Although he has won over two and half miles, I always thought that three miles would suit him better, more so than Azertyuiop who finished third in the race."

The weather is obviously going to play a big part in those plans — and it will with three of Hales' other stars.

Al Ferof, who fell recently at Cheltenham and Don't Turn Bach and Ballagio, could all turn out at Hereford on Tuesday.