No worries for King Kauto
Paul Nicholls has confirmed the minor panic over Kauto Star at the weekend has caused no interruption to the preparation of the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite.
Following his spellbinding victory at Ascot on Saturday, the champion trainer’s team initially suspected the horse incurred a problem in one of his legs.
However, a veterinary inspection the following morning showed he only had a tiny infection, which has cleared up.
There were brief fears the much-anticipated showdown with his stablemate Denman would not materialise but Kauto Star came through his first blow back on the gallops with flying colours.
“He felt great, it was a normal canter and no different to usual,” reported Nicholls’ head lad Clifford Baker, who was riding.
“He went up the hill like he always does.”
Nicholls threw open the doors to his Somerset yard for a media open-day on Wednesday and afforded a good view of the pair, who are stabled in adjoining boxes.
“We had the scare on Saturday night but we put a shoe on him and he cantered this morning and is 100% normal,” he said.
“We are very happy with him and has missed absolutely no work so it’s all systems go on that score. Denman has had a quiet week and will just start to pick up his work in the next week.
“Kauto will do one canter every day this week and a couple at the weekend before he goes back into full work, while Denman is a week further along.
“There is no set programme really. Sam Thomas came down to school both of them a couple of days before their last races and I suppose we will pop them over a few poles at the start of Cheltenham week.”
Nicholls was repeatedly asked for his view on which horse was going to win the Gold Cup and is viewing the clash with the same enthusiasm as the general public.
“I still think Kauto will be hard to beat,” he said.
“He is the reigning champion and Denman has to come out and topple him. I think if I were in Ruby’s (Walsh) shoes I would have to ride Kauto Star - you can’t get off the Gold Cup winner.
“Kauto was so impressive at Ascot, although I think he’s better on a left-handed track. Denman has won so many times at Newbury and a flat track suits him really well, but he’s also won at Cheltenham of course.
“Denman did have a breathing issue a long time ago and was hobdayed before he ever ran, so the only issue for him might be if it came up really heavy. There will be lots of friendly rivalry and banter in the yard, but no bad feeling.
“Remember, none of us know which one is going to win.”
Denman’s part-owner Harry Findlay is sticking with his charge but could not be more respectful of Kauto Star.
“I wouldn’t say I was proud to be involved, I’d call it lucky,” he said.
“If Denman leads and Kauto does us, I will have seen something special.
“Kauto is the guv’nor – he’s so good – and we’ve got to go out there and beat him.
“In the Gold Cup, three miles two at a good pace, I think it runs like three miles three at least.
“The way Kauto won the Tingle Creek, he won it before the Railway Fences and there has to be a doubt about him getting the trip. If Kauto wins, I will enjoy it as I know it will be the best race I’ve seen.
“We know we’ll be out in front for the second circuit and Ruby has got to come and get us.”
