Racing: Kauto Star put in a hugely impressive performance as he ran out a clear-cut winner of the Grade One Betfair Chase at Haydock Park.
The six-year-old, who was completing a double for Ruby Walsh and Paul Nicholls, was having a first try at the three-mile trip but travelled supremely well throughout to cruise home by 17 lengths.
Beef Or Salmon stayed on to finished second - as he did 12 months ago - while L'Ami was third.
Outsider Ollie Magern set out to make all in the £200,000 event, with Iris's Gift also taking up a prominent position while Walsh elected to hunt round in fourth.
Last year's winner Kingscliff was also in the front rank but started to find life difficult on the second circuit and quickly dropped out as Walsh maintained his watching brief.
Coming to the third-last, Iris's Gift tried to challenge but lacked the necessary toe as Kauto Star cruised up into second.
Taking it up at the last fence with a tremendous leap, Kauto Star powered away without Walsh having to get at all serious.
VC Bet make Kauto Star a 7-4 chance for the Stan James King George VI Chase on St Stephen's Day and a 5-1 shot for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
