Nicholls says next seven days crucial for Kauto Star

PAUL Nicholls insists he will not compromise on Kauto Star’s Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup preparation, despite the horse taking a heavy fall at home.

Nicholls announced on Thursday that the Clive Smith-owned 12-year-old was only 50-50 to make the Festival feature on 16 March after suffering an “awful fall” in a schooling session at Ditcheat last Friday.

Kauto Star, twice a winner of the Gold Cup, has undergone a renaissance this year, twice beating reigning Cheltenham champion Long Run, and hopes were high of an historic third title.

While Nicholls admits it is a “nightmare” situation, his top priority is producing Kauto Star, who came through a Friday morning canter unscathed, at the top of his form.

He said: “We will do everything to get there in one piece and top order. We want him at the very top of his game so he can perform like he did at Haydock and Kempton. If he’s not like that, then there’s no question of him running.

“It’s the first time he’s ever fallen at home in his life. He’s cantered every day since, so he hasn’t missed any work, but obviously the next ten days are crucial and next Saturday is when he would do his last strong bit of serious work. Clifford [Baker, head lad] will know where we are then.”

Nicholls added: “If it was a month, we would have absolutely no problem whatsoever. It’s a nightmare, really, but we will keep everyone posted.”