'Positive signs' ahead of Kauto return

Kauto Star remains firmly on course for what will be a pivotal racecourse appearance in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on November 19.

The four-time King George winner and dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero will bid for his fourth win in the Merseyside Grade One, and aim to show he is no back-number after a lifeless display at Punchestown in May.

The 11-year-old will renew rivalries with last season’s King George and Gold Cup star Long Run at Haydock, and Nicholls admits Kauto Star’s performance will tell connections whether retirement beckons.

“I’m delighted to report that Kauto Star has been back in training for a few weeks now and all the signs remain positive that he is in great order,” the champion trainer told his website, www.paulnichollsracing.com.

“He absolutely loves being in training and getting all the attention and, after the service he has given us and National Hunt racing, he deserves at least that.

“In hindsight he should never have gone to Ireland, after his heroics in the 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup, but he remains one of the best in training on that Gold Cup form.

“All being well between now and the end of November he will head to Haydock for the Betfair Chase for a clash with his Cheltenham conqueror Long Run.

“The run at Haydock should tell us all we need to know about his future and we can make any decisions after that.”