Kauto tops star-studded Gold Cup list

KAUTO STAR could bid to join an elite list of three-time totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup winners on March 19.

Paul Nicholls’ outstanding chaser is one of 27 entries for the blue riband event, which is the smallest number in recent years.

Nicholls has six possibles at this stage, with 2008 Gold Cup winner Denman likely to prove the strongest opposition to Kauto Star, who will be aiming to emulate the likes of Arkle, Golden Miller, Cottage Rake and Best Mate.

What A Friend, My Will, Taranis and Tricky Trickster complete a strong Ditcheat team.

The eight-strong Irish challenge is headed by last year’s RSA Chase winner Cooldine from Willie Mullins’ yard, with the trainer also entering Glencove Marina.

Dessie Hughes has three entries, In Compliance, Schindlers Hunt and Rare Bob, while Noel Meade can choose from Aran Concerto and Casey Jones.

Jim Dreaper’s Notre Pere, Albertas Run, Money Trix and Calgary Bay are other notable entries.

Last year’s Ryanair Chase winner Imperial Commander is set to line up in The Gold Cup for Nigel Twiston-Davies while Madison Du Berlais could represent David Pipe.

Mark Bradstock is keen to let Carruthers take his chance after an effortless victory at Newbury on his latest start.

A notable Irish absentee is the Paul Nolan trained Joncol, who will instead be aimed at the Ryanair Chase.

The John Durkan Chase winner was beaten into third by What A Friend and Money Trix when bidding to follow up in the Lexus Chase at the end of December and the strength in depth of British-trained chasers influenced the decision to sidestep the big one, according to Nolan.

“We made the decision with the owners and saw no point in putting him in the Gold Cup at this stage, especially with the likes of Kauto Star and Denman around.

“His main aim will be the Hennessy Gold Cup in Leopardstown (February 7) and we’ll concentrate on that race. He is in the Ryanair and we’ll make our mind up about Cheltenham closer to the time, but we intend concentrating on the home front first.”

The recent cold snap has not affected Joncol’s training programme since his Leopardstown run.

“He seems in great shape and hasn’t been put out too much with the frost and snow and hopefully the weather will improve and we’ll start racing again in Ireland,” said Nolan.

totesport Gold Cup, sponsors bet: 5-4 Kauto Star, 15-8 Denman, 16-1 Cooldine, Imperial Commander, 20-1 What A Friend, 33-1 Carruthers, Glencove Marina, Madison Du Berlais, Money Trix, Notre Pere, 40-1 bar.