Kauto Star to miss Hennessy Gold Cup
Kauto Star has been scratched from the Hennessy Gold Cup after Paul Nicholls persuaded owner Clive Smith that the horse should go straight to the King George VI Chase at Kempton.
Writing in his column on Betfair, Nicholls revealed: “I have just put the phone down to Clive and we have taken the decision not to run Kauto Star in the Hennessy.
“We have decided that the horse has two priorities this season, the King George and the Gold Cup, and we weren't going to jeopardise those by going to Newbury. So we will leave the Hennessy for this year. But, all being well, we will perhaps target the race first time up next season.”
It is claimed that Smith was incredibly keen on Kauto Star running in the valuable handicap despite the fact he would have been forced to concede 8lb to stable mate Denman, but Nicholls was adamant the horse needed a sufficient break to reserve his energy for Kempton.
“Firstly, Kauto Star came back from Down Royal a little bit quiet,” Nicholls continued.
“As you would expect after the travelling and a hard race, and you need to be at the top of your game to win a Hennessy. Especially when running off a mark of 190.
“Secondly, while he is fine and could have run in the race, you have to look at what running at Newbury could have done to the rest of his season. One of his two main targets this season is the King George, and he would be the first horse to win the race five times if successful on Boxing Day.”
Nicholls went onto reveal that Denman will run in the Hennessy, as he tries to become the only horse to win the race three times. The ‘tank’ will be joined by Neptune Collonges, Taranis, The Tother One and Niche Market, who have also been declared by the champion trainer.
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