It was back to business for the Paul Nicholls trained Kauto Star who reappeared in the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal on November 1st. The 2007 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner could not have been any more impressive. He won in a virtual canter and gave jockey Ruby Walsh plenty to think about concerning who he will ride ultimately in the 2009 Gold Cup, assuming of course that Denman, the 2008 winner, returns to full fitness.
It was a performance that was so reminiscent of his form in 2006/7. He looked invincible once more and he certainly had Nicholls awestruck. Nicholls suggested very strongly that on this form, Kauto Star could avenge his defeat by his stablemate, Denman in the Gold Cup. Bookmakers were also highly impressed and immediately shortened his odds for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Kauto Star now an eight year old, jumped superbly over the three mile course and sauntered past long time leader, Knight Legend two fences from home. The Listener, who had been the main pre-race threat, ran poorly and never really featured; he was to finish in fourth place.
He will take his chance now in the Betfair Chase on 22nd November, where he is likely to face Cheltenham Gold Cup 2006 winner, War of Attrition. Exotic Dancer is also expected to run thus resuming his rivalry with Kauto Star.
The Nicholls stable has been in great form recently and it was no surprise to Noland trot up convincingly when winning the Grade 3 Killultagh Properties Chase. It was a hugely impressive performance from the former Supreme Novices Hurdle champion, winning by a dozen or more lengths from the fancied Finger Onthe Pulse.
Nicholls was both delighted and surprised by the result as he was sure that Noland would have needed the run. On this showing he could probably do with one soon, he won with so much in hand that he too caught the eye of the Bookmakers. Ultimately, Noland will be aimed at the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Cheltenham Festival as always will be the big target for the Nicholls team. Amazingly he currently has the first two in the betting in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, he has the favourite for the Arkle Trophy in 'Tatenen' and the favourite for the Queen Mother Chase in 'Master Minded'. He also has 'Big Fella Thanks' heading the betting for the National Hunt Novices Chase. He is certainly going to followed avidly this season and could end up the best friend a punter could ever have.
It was a performance that was so reminiscent of his form in 2006/7. He looked invincible once more and he certainly had Nicholls awestruck. Nicholls suggested very strongly that on this form, Kauto Star could avenge his defeat by his stablemate, Denman in the Gold Cup. Bookmakers were also highly impressed and immediately shortened his odds for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Kauto Star now an eight year old, jumped superbly over the three mile course and sauntered past long time leader, Knight Legend two fences from home. The Listener, who had been the main pre-race threat, ran poorly and never really featured; he was to finish in fourth place.
He will take his chance now in the Betfair Chase on 22nd November, where he is likely to face Cheltenham Gold Cup 2006 winner, War of Attrition. Exotic Dancer is also expected to run thus resuming his rivalry with Kauto Star.
The Nicholls stable has been in great form recently and it was no surprise to Noland trot up convincingly when winning the Grade 3 Killultagh Properties Chase. It was a hugely impressive performance from the former Supreme Novices Hurdle champion, winning by a dozen or more lengths from the fancied Finger Onthe Pulse.
Nicholls was both delighted and surprised by the result as he was sure that Noland would have needed the run. On this showing he could probably do with one soon, he won with so much in hand that he too caught the eye of the Bookmakers. Ultimately, Noland will be aimed at the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Cheltenham Festival as always will be the big target for the Nicholls team. Amazingly he currently has the first two in the betting in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, he has the favourite for the Arkle Trophy in 'Tatenen' and the favourite for the Queen Mother Chase in 'Master Minded'. He also has 'Big Fella Thanks' heading the betting for the National Hunt Novices Chase. He is certainly going to followed avidly this season and could end up the best friend a punter could ever have.
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