Saturday, November 06, 2010
IF Kauto Star is anywhere near the horse he has been throughout his career then you’d have to think him capable of dismissing the opposition at Down Royal today.
I schooled him at Paul Nicholls’ last Wednesday morning and reckon he popped between 15 and 20 jumps. I did not detect any lessening in his enthusiasm and am very much looking forward to teaming up with the horse again in public.
As you are well aware, he produced an amazing performance in the King George at Kempton last Christmas, winning by a staggering 36 lengths.
But, of course, we then finished the campaign on a particularly disappointing note in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March.
He was an odds-on favourite and Paul and I were entitled to face into that test with maximum confidence. But Kauto then proceded to blunder badly at the eighth and was struggling when falling at the fourth last.
Following Cheltenham, Paul then took the precaution of schooling him again before leaving Kauto off for the summer. He has returned in fine shape and we are more than happy.
Sizing Europe and China Rock are obviously regarded as the main dangers. Let’s start with China Rock, a horse I know well, having won on him twice already this season.
In the second of these races we beat Sizing Europe decisively by seven lengths at Punchestown. I don’t think Sizing Europe ran any sort of race that day, he seemed ring-rusty and lethargic.
China Rock is race-fit and will love travelling right-handed. If Kauto is below par then he might well be the one to take advantage.
To my way of thinking, however, If Kauto Star strips the way we fully expect him to then he really has to be far too good for these.
China Rock’s trainer, Mouse Morris, gives me the leg up on once-raced Baily Green in the first, a maiden hurdle. Third in a bumper at Gowran Park, Mouse thinks he’ll go well, but they are always better for an initial spin over jumps.
Golan Guy has plenty of weight for a maiden in a handicap hurdle, but it’s a low-grade affair and we can be certain there are no Kauto Stars lurking amongst this lot. He has each-way prospects at least, on the basis the form of his last couple of races hasn’t worked out at all badly.
Doctor Deejay is a live possibility in another handicap hurdle, having performed nicely on his return at the Listowel Festival. He had top weight then, is in good form at home and, we think, has improved a bit.
The Grade 2 conditions chase is a cracking contest. Paul brings The Nightingale across with Kauto Star for this and he has plenty going for him.
I know he was well beaten on his final outing at Aintree last season, but the ground was far too fast for him on that occasion.
He was most impressive in his two outings porior to that, will be well suited going right-handed and the soft surface is another plus.
I’m well aware there are a couple of useful horses representing the home team, but The Nightingale is capable of exposing them.
I end on Corrick Bridge for Tony Martin in a handicap chase. All I’ll say is that if I’m waiting for this horse for my first winner of the day then I’m going to be in worse humour than a punter on a downward spiral.
I head to Navan tomorrow, kicking off with Mourad in the Lismullen Hurdle. I’m hoping he will be fit enough, because he worked and schooled away from home last week.
He certainly ended last season with a flourish, winning easily at Fairyhouse and then taking third to Quevega at the Punchestown Festival.
Jumbo Rio is a small horse, 11-12 is a lot of weight for him, so Aitmatov, who has produced two solid efforts recently, may be the biggest worry.
Edward O’Grady has booked me for Hazeymm, in a Grade 3 novice hurdle, and I’m delighted to get the nod. But the fact that Andy McNamara has got off him to partner Hidden Cyclone is hardly a ringing endorsement of his prospects.
Barcardero has top weight in a handicap hurdle and I’m just hoping that Gordon Elliott has worked his undoubted magic on this fellow.
I complete a busy weekend on C’est Ca for Willie Mullins in a beginners chase. We never got a clear run with him last season and he’s definitely better than his hurdles form.
The main priority will be a clear round, but I’ve seen hotter contests than this at Navan in November and he should go close.
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