Kauto Star on the mend
KAUTO STAR continues to make good progress in his bid to be fit for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup tomorrow week.
Since the 12-year-old had a schooling fall at home, trainer Paul Nicholls has issued regular updates and yesterday he said: “Nothing major to report today but we are, thankfully, still heading in the right direction.
“He once again had his physio and his hour on the walker.
“And then he had a half- speed 10-furlong canter with Big Buck’s and then a canter up the hill with him, too. In fact, all my Cheltenham horses did the same routine - so Kauto did everything the other Festival horses did today."
Nicholls is planning a racecourse gallop for the dual Gold Cup victor after racing at Wincanton tomorrow. Kauto Star is a 4-1 chance with the sponsors for Festival glory, with last year’s victor Long Run the 13-8 favourite.
He once again had his physio and his hour on the walker
Jockey Rhys Flint was banned for five days under the revised whip rules after winning on Heavenstown at Fontwell.