Punters split over Kauto

Further proof that punters are split over the merit of Kauto Star’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup chances emerged today, with William Hill now making him the same price not to complete the course as he is to win the race.

The brilliant seven-year-old has won six of his last seven races, but has given his supporters almighty scares with last-fence mistakes in both the Stan James King George VI Chase and the Aon Chase.

His only defeat in that sequence came when he fell in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham last season.

The Leeds-based firm opened a book on whether he would fail to get round in the blue riband earlier this week, initially going 5/2. That has disappeared, however, and he is down to just 7-4.

Spokesman Ben Clarke said: “We thought the 5/2 about him not completing the course would prove popular, but we’ve been knocked over at that price.

“Kauto Star is now the same price to not complete the course as he is to win the Gold Cup, which just proves that punters think he only has to stand up to win!”