Smith Eccles tips Kauto Star for victory

Kauto Star's turn of foot can prove his trump card against stablemate Denman in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday, according to former leading jump jockey Steve Smith Eccles.

Smith Eccles, whose victories at the Festival included a Champion Hurdle hat-trick aboard See You Then between 1985 and 1987.

"I've got to go with Kauto Star. I think he's different class," said Smith Eccles.

"He's last year's winner, he's mentally and physically matured a bit more. He's not making the mistakes he made last year and whatever pace they go, he's got a turn of foot.

"Denman is a lovely horse but all he'll do is stay and stay all day long. I know it will be a good gallop, but Kauto Star will have a turn of foot at the end. I don't think Denman would.

"This is the best four racing days of the year and as soon as it's over we start looking forward to next year."

After riding his first winner in 1975, Smith Eccles gained his first major success on Sweet Joe in the 1978 Sun Alliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

However, probably the best chaser he ever rode was the brilliant two-miler Tingle Creek.

Smith Eccles, 52, retired from the saddle in 1994 after a career spanning 20 years and a total of more than 900 winners.