Kauto goes straight to Cheltenham

Queen Mother Champion Chase favourite Kauto Star will go straight to the Cheltenham Festival without a prep run.

The Paul Nicholls-trained six-year-old was set to take his chance in the rearranged Game Spirit Chase at Lingfield on Saturday but the prevailing soft conditions at the Surrey track forced the Ditcheat handler into a rethink.

“Kauto Star is a non-runner because of the ground,” Nicholls told Teletext.

“I didn’t want to run him on heavy ground.

“The ground was getting softer and softer and I got a little bit nervous and I just thought I’d better not risk him.

“He won’t have a run before Cheltenham now, he’ll go straight for the Champion Chase.”