Kauto stars at Ascot

Kauto Star confirmed his position as ante-post favourite for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup with a fluent victory in the Commercial First Ascot Chase.

Paul Nicholls’s ace put up an impressive performance in his last race before he attempts back-to-back victories in the Gold Cup.

Jumping into the lead three out, Kauto Star turned on the power for Ruby Walsh to beat Monet’s Garden by eight lengths with Racing Demon a further neck adrift in third.