Kauto long odds-on for Aon

Bookmakers can see little danger to Kauto Star in the Aon Chase at Newbury on Saturday.

The Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old has been installed as the 1-4 favourite by Cork-based Cashmans for what is his final prep race for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The contest received an extra five entries this morning after being re-opened following the initial five-day stage, making a total of 12, four of which are trained by Nicholls.

The Ditcheat handler has also put in his star novice Denman, who is due to take up an alternative engagement on the same card, Royal Auclair and Sleeping Night, the latter being one of the additions to the field.

Kauto Star’s main danger would appear to be Francois Doumen’s L’Ami, fourth in the Gold Cup last year.

James Fanshawe’s Reveillez, the Henry Daly-trained Billyvoddan and Korelo, who could have his first start for new handler Steve Gollings, were also among the original seven.

David Pipe has added both Tamarinbleu and Tango Royal, while Nigel Twiston-Davies has done likewise with Fundamentalist.

Mark Bradstock’s King Harald, off the track since unseating his rider at Southwell in January 2006, could also run.

Aon Chase; Cashmans bet: 1-4 Kauto Star, 7-1 L’Ami, 14-1 Billyvoddan, 20-1 Tamarinbleu, Reveillez, 25-1 King Harald, 33-1 Sleeping Night, 50-1 Fundamentalist, Tango Royal, 100-1 Korelo.