Paul Nicholls satisfied with Kauto Star’s recovery
Trainer Paul Nicholls looks satisfied with Kauto Star’s recovery from the soreness, the two-time Gold Cup champion sustained following a terrible tumble on second last Friday.
Ridden by Ruby Walsh, Kauto Star fell terribly during a round of schooling. It was such a heavy fall that Nicholls had to admit that the 12-year-old is 50-50 for the imminent Cheltenham Festival.
However, the handler is pleased with the way Kauto Star has been improving, saying that he will step up the gelding’s exercise program.
Nicholls’ comments came after Kauto Star went through another hard practice session on Sunday, as the veteran completed a strong canter on a wet track at Ditcheat.
"He [Kauto Star] had his physio and an hour on the walker and then we gave him a strong canter over ten furlongs with That'll Do and Rowdy Rampage,” Nicholls said in his latest bulletin on his Betfair column.
He added:
“All was fine. In fact, I bet he wishes we had left him in his stable and gave him the day off as it was pissing down! We will look to step up his work next week and I will give a further update tomorrow."
The four-time King George winner is one of the strongest contenders for the Grade 1 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase, to be held at Cheltenham on March 16, 2012.
He was the most preferred horse for the Gold Cup, when he picked up a serious injury. The record-breaking gelding didn’t show much improvement initially, but the connections are delighted with his gradual healing.
Long Run, who won the Gold Cup title last year, is currently heading the Gold Cup betting at 6 to 4. On the other hand, Nicholls’ trainee has been given the second highest odds of 4-1.
The experienced horse performed outstandingly towards the end of last year. After beating Long Run in the Betfair Chase in November, Kauto Star kept the good work going.
On the Boxing Day, he sealed an emphatic triumph in the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton. With only a few days left to go for the festival, his fans are hoping for his quick recovery.
Tags: