Thomas bullish over Kauto

Sam Thomas is confident Kauto Star will continue to hold the edge over old adversary Exotic Dancer when the pair next lock horns.

The jockey enjoyed the biggest success of his career on Saturday when riding the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner to victory in the Betfair Chase, with regular partner Ruby Walsh missing out as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder.

Exotic Dancer was only half a length behind the Paul Nicholls-trained winner at Haydock, but has now chased him home on each of the four occasions they have clashed.

Thomas said: “I think if there would have ever been a day when Exotic was going to beat us, it was then.

“I was giving him a lead right the way up the straight but my fellow was very, very brave. Had we winged the last, we would have won a bit cosier. And in all fairness to the horse, he’s an absolute superstar.

“After the last he dug deep and that’s what’s so great about him – he can do it every way,” he told At The Races.

Sponsors Stan James make Kauto Star the even money favourite for the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, a race for which Exotic Dancer is 5-1 to gain his revenge.