Nacarat to clash with Kauto Star in Betfair

NACARAT, winner of last season's Racing Post Chase, is set for an early clash with dual Gold Cup winner Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on November 21.

Nacarat finished third when stepping up to Grade 1 level for the first time in the John Smith's Melling Chase at Aintree in April and trainer Tom George has been eyeing up the William Hill King George at Kempton on December 26 ever since.

On paper Nacarat's 37-length thrashing by Planet Of Sound on his return to action in the William Hill Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on Tuesday looks disappointing, but it has prompted George to pitch the eight-year-old against Kauto Star for the first time.

"Nacarat has come out of his race well," George told his website. "He ran a similar race at Exeter on his reappearance last season and will be following the same programme, starting with ten days swimming and spa treatment on Thursday. 

"His next engagement is the Betfair Chase at Haydock on 21 November, followed by the King George."

2008 Gold Cup hero Denman, Totesport Bowl winner Madison Du Berlais, Ryanair Chase hero Imperial Commander, Guinness Gold Cup scorer Notre Pere, Grand National star Mon Mome and last year's runner-up Tamarinbleu are all potential rivals.