Nicholls issues positive update on Kauto Star

KAUTO STAR has come on a ton for his seasonal reappearance at Haydock, trainer Paul Nicholls said on Thursday as he gave a  positive update on the horse aiming to make turf history on Boxing Day.

Four straight wins in the William Hill King George VI Chase is Kauto Star's goal, and the sponsors rate him an 8-13 chance to trump Desert Orchid's four non-consecutive King George victories.

A piece of work on Wednesday in company with racing's top-rated hurdler Big Buck's has given Nicholls all the signals he wanted.

"He worked very well and has come on a ton for Haydock," said Nicholls, whose star landed the Betfair Chase last month by a nose from King George second- favourite Imperial Commander.

"That race has mentally sharpened him up. A run changes them, and he now looks better and sharper. I couldn't be happier."

Nicholls added that decent ground and the fact Kauto Star stays well would counteract any feeling the track does not suit the dual Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup winner.

"He hangs left and he jumps left there," Nicholls added.

Up to 10cm of snow could fall at Kempton on Friday but, according to clerk of the course Brian Clifford, temperatures should rise from Christmas day onwards.

Hills, sponsoring the December 26 highlight for the first time, believe a win for Kauto Star would be a sensational result for the sport, and racegoers will be encouraged to wave special cards bearing the number four on them should Kauto Star win.

Kempton's managing director Amy Starkey said the idea had been borrowed from the cricket world. "It is about embracing what is great for the sport," she said.

Martin Pipe, speaking at a launch event in London's Ice Bar, where drinks are served in a room kept at -5 degrees, described King Georgerunner Madison Du Berlais, trained by his son David, "in great form".

"Last year he beat Denman twice, so who knows? Ours always improve for a second run, but he needs to improve to win," Pipe added.