Melling is Kauto's Aintree option

Kauto Star will step back considerably in trip at Aintree if connections elect to give the Gold Cup runner-up another outing this term.

Paul Nicholls’ charge finished seven lengths behind Denman at Cheltenham last week and has come out of the race in good shape according to the champion trainer.

No firm decision has yet been made as to whether Kauto Star will run at Aintree - but connections have ruled out a tilt at the three-mile-one-furlong totesport Bowl.

“If Kauto Star goes anywhere before the end of the season it will be in the two-and-a-half-mile John Smith’s Melling Chase on the Friday of Aintree,” Nicholls told Teletext.

“He’s fine after his run in the Gold Cup and he’s cantered this week.

“Clifford (Baker, head lad) is happy with him, but we’re not going to make a decision until much nearer the race.”