Kicking King - can he retain his crown?

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Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Kicking King is just 11/4 with the sponsors to win the race again in 2006.

Spokesman Damian Walker said: "Kicking King was always travelling easily and the only doubt turning for home was whether his stamina would give out on the run-in.

"But unlike One Man and Florida Pearl who had failed before, the King saw out the trip in great style for a deserved win.

"Judged on this performance, three-time champion Best Mate has it all to do if he is to win back his crown at the age of 11."

Hills and Ladbrokes both offer 4-1 about Kicking King winning next year - and the latter firm go 20/1 that he 'does a Best Mate' and wins it three times.

Totesport 2006 Gold Cup prices: 11-4 Kicking King, 6 Best Mate, 16 Trabolgan, Take The Stand, Kingscliff, Fundamentalist.