Reigning King George VI chase champion Banbridge "in really good shape" ahead of Kempton Park showpiece on Boxing Day

Slevin had to give up the ride to Paul Townend in last year's race which saw Banbridge rally late to run down Il Est Francais to claim the top prize.

Speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest horse racing odds, Slevin revealed his isn't sure where he will be riding on Boxing Day but that Banbridge is in "really good shape" ahead of his title defence.

"Banbridge is definitely coming over. I don’t know where I will be going just yet. It depends on what people are wanting to do and where people are going," he said.

"I schooled him on Monday and he's in really good shape. He’s come on a lot from his run in the Hilly Way Chase in Cork. He didn't really sparkle, but he felt really good this week.

"Joseph [O'Brien, trainer] has a few tricks up his sleeve. I think we’ll see a similar Banbridge to the one that was in Kempton last year."

Slevin also previewed the race and has tipped another Irish raider at the top of the market for Closutton maestro Willie Mullins to win it.

"At this point in time, it looks like a strong King George. There’s never really a weak one to be fair but this is as strong a field as we’ve seen for the past few years," he added.

"What Gaelic Warrior did in the John Durkan was an unbelievable performance. But the only thing about that race and the way he did it, he really had to dig down and fight with all he had.

"He gave himself a pretty hard time. He has had plenty enough time to recover but he's still going to have to back that up and reproduce that form again.

"In fairness to Willie Mullins, he is able to pull a horse out again after that sort of race and they do usually perform.

"He’ll bring them along at a merry gallop in the King George. He’s still got to go three miles as well. Maybe he'll be a better ride with getting the fizziness out of him after that first run.

"He won’t be as forward and maybe he’ll settle a bit better. Kempton will definitely play to his strengths.

"Jango Baie is probably like a staying two-miler who looks like he's going to be able to step up in trip soon.

"Those horses that are able to win at two miles and then have a bit of stamina to get an extended distance, they can be very dangerous horses.

"The Jukebox Man could be good. He’s a good horse and won at Kempton last year and he had a very good win at Haydock. So, he’s on the up. A young horse on the up is what you need in these sorts of races. He’s a lively outsider I’d say.

"Realistically, it is hard to get away from Gaelic Warrior. If I was offered the ride on something, I would have to choose him!"