RACING:WHEN KAUTO Star appeared at Down Royal two years ago it kicked off a remarkable season that ended in a second Cheltenham Gold Cup triumph, so Ruby Walsh and Paul Nicholls will be hoping a similar result today can provoke another successful campaign.
A fifth King George VI title at Christmas is a big target for one of the best chasers seen in decades who at his best would probably kick his six opponents in the JNwine.com Champion Chase out of his way.
Since they include an Arkle winner like Sizing Europe, as well as the in-form China Rock, that only reflects the status of a horse whose last appearance saw him crashing out in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last March.
“He’s a horse of a lifetime and anything he does now only adds to his illustrious list,” Walsh said yesterday.
“Riding Kauto Star is a privilege and what we want now is a good round of jumping and a good performance.”
The Nicholls-Walsh team are also represented in the Grade Two Ladbrokes Chase by The Nightingale but the step up to two and a half miles could be just what a former Aintree Hurdle runner-up like Osana has been crying out for.
Mark Johnston sends Bikini Babe for tonight’s Listed feature at Dundalk but Jessica Harrington’s Bob Le Beau is unbeaten in two starts on the all-weather and is on a career ratings high.
