Folly to oppose King Kauto
Although certainly not the most original of selections, it is almost impossible to envisage defeat for Kauto Star at Ascot tomorrow.
Paul Nicholls’ Gold Cup hero has carried all before him for the last two seasons, claiming Grade One after Grade One at a variety of trips from two miles to the testing three and a quarter at Cheltenham.
It would be a massive surprise if the Commercial First Ascot Chase does not go the same way.
Although Kauto Star suffered his only defeat in nearly two years at the hands of the reopposing Monet’s Garden over two and a half miles on his seasonal bow, it is hard to see Nicky Richards’ charge confirming the form.
Kauto Star was beaten just a length and a half at Aintree but he was conceding 14lb to the winner and the pair meet on level terms this time.
Nicholls’ runner occasionally throws in the odd jumping error and only such an incident appears to stand in the way of Kauto Star.
Joe Lively can complete his Festival build-up with victory in the John Smith’s Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase.
Colin Tizzard has aimed high with the nine-year-old this season but he has responded to every call, graduating from an initial win at Lingfield to claim Grade One glory at Kempton.
His success in the Feltham Chase looks all the more meritorious given that third-placed Silverburn subsequently struck at the highest level.
The game Joe Lively will be hard to top.
Song Of Songs finished second to leading Champion Hurdle candidate Osana on his jumping bow last February and looks a fair prospect for the Betfair Million - Will It Be Won? Handicap Hurdle.
Point Barrow can enjoy a more successful trip to these shores by lifting the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup at Haydock.
His last visit to Britain ended in a first-fence departure in the Grand National but with Aintree on the agenda once more, Pat Hughes’ 10-year-old seems to be coming back to form.
There was much to like about his fourth under a heavy impost in the Thyestes Chase last time and conditions look set to suit.
Tazbar can continue his climb up the ladder with a second Grade Two win in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.
Keith Reveley’s charge did well to score over a shorter trip at Doncaster last time but he is an out-and-out stayer and the step up to three miles here will suit.
Material World can take full advantage of her light burden in the realholidayreports.com Rendlesham Hurdle.
At Wincanton, Katchit can bounce back to winning form in the Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle.
Alan King’s charge enjoyed a blinding juvenile campaign last term, bagging the Cheltenham and Aintree double in quite some style.
However, the five-year-old has found the going a bit tougher this year, winning an introductory event at Aintree before being run out of it against Harchibald in the ’Fighting Fifth’.
Katchit then found Osana too hot to handle at Cheltenham in December but he should be freshened up for a break and can secure his Festival ticket here.
Saintsaire found the ground at Doncaster a bit too lively last time but easier conditions at Uttoxeter can see him get back on track in the totesport.com Lord Gyllene Handicap Chase.
It is hard to look past Ebraam in the betdaqpoker.co.uk Handicap at Lingfield, despite a less-than-ideal draw.
The five-year-old has shot up the ratings since the start of a winning spree last October, rising from a mark of 68 to his current position of 98.
That 30lb rise would have anchored many a runner but Ebraam has continued to find more in the tank, winning two similarly competitive events here in his last three starts.
Ebraam was only narrowly beaten on the other occasion and looks capable of defying his latest jump in the weights.
Rationale was an authoritative winner at Kempton earlier in the month, despite missing the break, and appears a likely type in the Try Betdaq For An Exchange Handicap.
Returning after a lengthy lay-off, Rationale totally fluffed the start but travelled well throughout before powering home from Fregate Island.
The handicapper has not been too hard on him for that success and further glory awaits.
Maslak makes most appeal in the Bet FA Cup – Betdaq Handicap.
At Kempton, Sudden Impulse can strike in the Book Now For Racing Post Chase Day Handicap.
