ALAN King has given Smad Place the go-ahead to run in the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

The devastating Hennessy Gold Cup winner satisfied King in a workout on Monday morning and is now poised to line up in the Christmas showpiece.

"He schooled grand and Wayne (Hutchinson, jockey) was very happy with him," said the Barbury Castle handler.

"He's been confirmed for the King George and, at this stage, everything is going according to plan."

King had initially been set to miss the King George with Smad Place after his exceptional Hennessy success, with the BetBright Cup Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham on January 30 the preferred target.