Kauto Star showing quick recovery, says Paul Nicholls
Kauto Star is facing no difficulty despite an increased workload, said the trainer Paul Nicholls on Monday. The 12-year-old gelding is currently going through a rehabilitation process after a heavy tumble last month.
The dual Gold Cup winner was getting himself ready for the Cheltenham Festival, when he suddenly went down in a round of schooling. He was being ridden by Ruby Walsh, who was unable to control situation, as the legendry chaser miscalculated his jump.
Following that incident, Kauto Star sustained soreness. The injury was so severe that Nicholls termed his trainee doubtful for the festival a few days ago. With only a few days left in the extravaganza, the trainer is hoping for a quick recovery.
Nicholls’ hopes boosted up on Monday morning, when Kauto Star cantered twice without showing any discomfort. The trainer described that the legendary sprinter did not face any problem despite an enhanced exercise program.
Writing on his Betfair column, he said:
“He had his physio and an hour on the walker as per usual. And then he had a 1m2f canter with Five Dream.”
"But, in addition to that, he had a canter up the hill with the same horse. We will keep adding to this workload and tomorrow [Tuesday] he will do the same, but have two canters up the hill instead of one. Again, he is fine and we are heading in the right
direction at the moment," added the veteran handler.
Kauto Star’s fans are also pleased to see his rapid improvement. After Monday’s hard work, optimism in the yard has increased that the star gelding will be ready to bid for his third Gold Cup title.
According to the plan, the Grade 1 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase is due to take place on March 16, 2012. Following his excellent success last year, Long Run is currently leading the betting card, but Kauto Star is not very far away.
Long Run is presently 5-4 favourite with BetVictor, while Kauto Star stands at 1-4. Although Kauto Star’s involvement in the Gold Cup is not confirmed yet, his connections are quite hopeful for the good news.
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