Kauto unfazed by Baltic blast

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.

Nicholls is working towards a shot at creating history at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, when Kauto Star could become the first horse ever to win the William Hill King George VI Chase five times.

After making a successful reappearance in the JNWine.com Champion Chase in Down Royal, Nicholls and owner Clive Smith elected against an audacious attempt at winning the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in favour of preserving the brilliant gelding for Kempton.