Kauto Star - returns to Haydock.
NO CONCERNS FOR KAUTO RETURN
By Nick Robson, Press Association Sport
Kauto Star (FR) Profile
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Clive Smith has no worries about returning to Haydock with Kauto Star for the Betfair Chase on November 21.
The brilliant nine-year-old became the first horse to regain his Cheltenham Gold Cup crown in March, but he parted company with Sam Thomas at the last fence in last year's Haydock contest.
Connections have stated he will be seen less this season but he appears as one of 26 entries for the Grade One event, giving punters an early look at the star chaser.
"Kauto Star is in very good form at the moment and Paul (Nicholls) and myself are very happy with his preparation for the Betfair Chase," said Smith.
"We had the option of going for the Down Royal Champion Chase but we believed that returning to Haydock Park was the right thing to do and it was only a question of keeping an eye on the weather and the ground.
"This will be the first time that he will going into the race as a fresh horse. He has run at Aintree and Down Royal the previous two seasons but we wanted to limit him to three appearances this year.
"He will start off in the Betfair Chase and then hopefully go back to Kempton and Cheltenham - although we have to get through each race at a time.
"I'm not worried about returning to Haydock Park after last year. He has won the race twice before and it was just a series of events that didn't work out last season - it's possible that his run at Down Royal may have taken the edge off him.
"I think that he is going to be all right this year and I am very happy with him.
"He's nine now and has had a few races but he is a remarkable horse.
"People have always talked about French horses starting too young and therefore their careers end earlier than other horses but Kauto Star seems in great shape. He just seems to want to go on and he is certainly still thoroughly enjoying himself."
Other entries include stablemates Denman, My Will and What A Friend, Tidal Bay, Madison du Berlais, Imperial Commander, Notre Pere and Grand National winner Mon Mome.
Betfair's head of media, Tony Calvin, commented: "We are thrilled with the entries and the fact that 14 of the 26 are rated 160 or more by Timeform is a very impressive statistic.
"All the best staying chasers, with the exception of Voy Por Ustedes, have been given an entry and let's hope that many stand their ground.
"Kauto Star, who looks a probable starter once again, already has a hat-trick of King George wins under his belt, and this season could well see him repeat the feat in the other two Grade One staying chases in this country.
"He has already won two Betfair Chases and two Gold Cups, and to add to those successes would be an astonishing achievement."
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