Kauto Star (left) shortened for the Gold Cup as Denman (right) drifted

  Picture: Edward Whitaker/racingpost.com 

Dry forecast sees Kauto Star shorten further

KAUTO STAR gets stronger and Denman weaker as the dry weather warning continues in the build-up to next week's showdown in the Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday.

Coral lengthened Denman to 9-2, with spokesman Simon Clare predicting he could be 6-1 if the ground continues to dry out. Paddy Power cut Kauto Star to 4-6 from 8-11.

Coral also cut Big Buck's to 1-2 from 4-7 for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

Betfred are offering 10-1 about the big four - Dunguib, Master Minded, Big Buck's and Kauto Star - all winning from 9am on Saturday morning.

Voler La Vedette is in to 7-4 for the David Nicholson Mares' Only Hurdle as last year's winner Quevega eases from evens to 11-8 with Boylesports.

On Raglan Road, who has the distinction of being the only horse to have beaten Dunguib, is a springer in the Coral Cup betting with Victor Chandler, who go 16-1 from 25-1.

Qaspal and Ashkazar have also shortened for the new Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.

David Pipe supporters are digging into their pockets as Hills have cut the trainer to 16-1 from 25-1 to be top trainer at the Festival in the market without Paul Nicholls.