TOM Scudamore is hoping Thistlecrack can prove the doubters wrong when he goes for back-to-back victories in the 32Red King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

The nine-year-old disappointed on his comeback from injury when fading into fifth place behind shock winner Beer Googles in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last month.

Connections of Colin Tizzard’s star feel the reason for the below-par display was purely down to a lack of race fitness.

Thistlecrack had been sidelined since being beaten by Many Clouds in an epic finish to the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January.

“It felt like he had all his old spark, but just got tired from going to the second last. After that the race was over,” Scudamore told At The Races.

“He felt the same, he had all his old enthusiasm, but his fitness on this occasion just wasn’t there.

“He’d suffered an injury at Cheltenham and had plenty of time off the track.

“He’d been showing everyone the right signs at home. Joe and Colin (Tizzard) were happy with him, but unfortunately the time he had off just got the better of him at Newbury.

“We’re all hoping from what Colin and Joe tell me he’s been going very well at home, but the proof in the pudding will be on Boxing Day.”

Ruby Walsh won the King George a record five times in Kauto Star but will be an interested spectator this year as he is nursing a broken leg.

The Irish ace believes Might Bite will take all the beating if his displays as a novice, particularly in the RSA when Walsh was third on Bellshill, is anything to go by.