Comeback King impresses Nicholls

Paul Nicholls was impressed by Tom Taaffe’s training achievement to bring Kicking King back to health, although the gelding could be a major obstacle in the path of Kauto Star and Denman in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The 2005 Gold Cup hero was a tremendous second in the Normans Grove Chase at Gowran Park on his first run for 759 days and saw his price for the Festival showpiece tumble.

Kicking King is 16-1 fourth favourite with the sponsors, just behind Exotic Dancer, who has met with a setback, but a fair bit longer than reigning holder and 11-10 favourite Kauto Star and his potential heir Denman at 7-4.

“It looked like he ran a nice race and I should think Tom will be well pleased,” said the champion trainer from his Somerset base.

“He’s obviously a very good horse and if he were mine I’d be absolutely delighted. Tom has done a really good job to get him back and I suppose they will want to get another race into him now.”