Racing:Paul Nicholls has confirmed Kauto Star will bid for a fifth victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.
The legendary chaser looked a spent force when pulled up on his final start of last season at Punchestown, but made a brilliant return to action in the Betfair Chase at Haydock, beating last season’s King George and Gold Cup hero Long Run.
Connections have been in no rush to commit the 11-year-old to the race, but the champion trainer has now given him the green light to join stablemate Master Minded, like Kauto Star owned by Clive Smith, at Kempton. Kauto Star will be ridden by Ruby Walsh, while Master Minded will be partnered by Daryl Jacob.
Nicholls said: “I’ve had a chat with Clive and we’re going to run both Kauto and Master Minded. Ruby’s (Walsh) not going to get off Kauto, and Daryl (Jacob) rode Master Minded the other day and will ride him again.”
Nicholls’s legendary stayer Big Buck's features among nine entries for the Lough Derg Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday
The three-time World Hurdle winner secured his 13th successive victory in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury on his seasonal reappearance and now goes for a hat-trick in this Grade One event.
Nicholls and owner Andy Stewart could also be represented by Celestial Halo, while the champion trainer also has Five Dream engaged. Impressive Haydock winner Dynaste could step up in grade for David Pipe.
Restless Harry could return to hurdles after being beaten on his first two starts over fences, while talented mare Sparky May could represent young trainer Keiran Burke. Cross Kennon, Pettifour and Rick complete the possibles.