AGGRESSIVE winter weather may be affecting some of Paul Nicholls’ forthcoming running plans – but Kauto Star remains blissfully unaware of any such distractions at home in Somerset.

NICKY HENDERSON is much happier with Binocular ahead of his run in the stanjames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle than he was at this stage 12 months ago. On that occasion, the 5-6 favourite for the Newcastle feature but could finish only fifth behind Go Native.