Kauto Star fired up for King George

Published on Sunday 22 November 2009 23:18

KAUTO Star is reported to be in tip-top shape after his thrilling win in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.

The dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero was winning the Merseyside feature for the third time in four years. However, Imperial Commander would not go down without a fight and after a titanic tussle on the run-in, the pair flashed past the post together.

While the naked eye suggested Imperial Commander had gained a narrow verdict, the photo told a different story and it was in fact Kauto Star who had won the day by the narrowest of noses.

Now the Clive Smith-owned nine-year-old will attempt to win the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton for a fourth time on Boxing Day. "He's A1," said trainer Paul Nicholls yesterday. "Obviously we were pleased that he won. It was a tight race, but it was what we wanted to start the season off and now it's all systems go for Kempton on Boxing Day. It was a proper race for every fan of jump racing. It was a good race and he's fine."

Of the incredibly tight finish, Nicholls added: "To see him stick his head down and fight at his age is absolutely fantastic and is what racing is all about."

Kauto Star is 10-11 with the sponsors for the King George and favourite at a best-priced 7-4 for the totesport.com Cheltenham Gold Cup.