Nicholl sees merit in Aon glory

Paul Nicholls is hoping horse of the moment Kauto Star can wrap up the Racing UK Order of Merit title with a victory at Newbury this weekend.

Having already won three times at the highest level this season, the Clive Smith-owned seven-year-old would be nearly untouchable at the head of affairs with a win in the Aon Chase.

Kauto Star’s victories this season also include the first two legs of the Betfair million – the Betfair Chase and the King George VI Chase – and with the final leg being the Cheltenham Gold Cup, for which he is the hot favourite, his earnings for the season could go into the stratosphere.

“The Order of Merit has always been a great incentive since its inception two seasons ago,” said the champion trainer.

“Kauto Star has been the most consistent of horses at the very highest level all season and I very much hope that he goes on to win the Order of Merit as the initiative was set up for exactly this reason.

“If he wins this weekend I think it would mathematically be very hard for any other horse to overtake him as he would be on 90 points and the nearest challenger would be Exotic Dancer on 51 points.

“Winning it would be a great early celebration for the team here, who work so tirelessly throughout the season.”

A total of £200,000 is on offer for the winner of the Order of Merit, with 75% going to the owner and 25% to the winning stable.