Racing Demon is bang on course for a second crack at the Stan James King George VI Chase.

Henrietta Knight's charge was a creditable third in the St Stephen's Day feature at Kempton 12 months ago behind Kauto Star and Exotic Dancer, and the seven-year-old is all set to take on those two again in what promises to be a Christmas highlight.

Racing Demon warmed up for the three-mile showpiece by winning the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon for the second year running when he dismissed his sole rival Natal by 30 lengths.

"It would be nice if he could get placed again," said Knight. "He's very well. He doesn't take a lot of work and that race at Huntingdon just brought him on nicely."

Tony McCoy was in the plate that day, but Knight said Graham Lee, who has ridden Racing Demon in five of his six races, would be back in the saddle.

The West Lockinge trainer was also happy with the ground conditions at the Sunbury track which are described as good, good to soft in places.

"That sounds okay," she added.

Kauto Star's connections believe last year's winner can see off any challenge.

For while owner Clive Smith feels the turning track might not be ideal, he believes Kauto Star's undoubted quality should see him home in front.

Smith said: "It's a right-handed track for him, and it is a fast one. It is the one that there could be a problem for him on, but he won it well last year and I'll think he'll do it again.

"I just think it's a quick track and the bends seem to be quite severe and it's right-handed, which is the main issue."

Kauto Star has already dispatched Exotic Dancer four times, the latest in the Betfair Chase at Haydock last month, and Smith is confident his horse will do so again.

"The ground suited him very well at Haydock and probably didn't really suit us 100 per cent," Smith said. "Tony McCoy said Barry Geraghty made a good job (on Exotic Dancer), but you could be trying to get past Kauto for a mile and you won't.

"He really thinks Kauto is some horse to pass, so hopefully we can hold Exotic Dancer back again."

KING GEORGE VI CHASE BETTING

Ladbrokes:4-5 Kauto Star, 5-1 Exotic Dancer, 7-1 My Way De Solzen, 8-1 Racing Demon, 10-1 Monet's Garden, Taranis, 33-1 Fair Along, Our Vic, Snowy Morning, 40-1 bar.

Totesport:4-5 Kauto Star, 9-2 Exotic Dancer, 6-1 My Way De Solzen, 9-1 Racing Demon, 12-1 Monet's Garden, Taranis, 33-1 Fair Along, Mansony, New Alco, Our Vic, Schindlers Hunt, Snowy Morning, Turpin Green, 40-1 bar.