Kauto may miss Gold Cup after fall

KAUTO STAR is only “50-50” to make the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup after a fall when schooling last week, according to trainer Paul Nicholls.

Nicholls said the dual Gold Cup winner took a nasty tumble at his Ditcheat yard under Ruby Walsh.

Speaking in his Betfair blog, Nicholls said: “There is no easy way to say this, but Kauto Star is only 50-50 to make the Cheltenham Gold Cup after a fall schooling.”

Kauto Star had been second-favourite for the Gold Cup behind last year’s winner Long Run after beating the reigning champion twice this season. Walsh told Racing UK: “We were schooling last Friday morning, as he has done every year before the Gold Cup, but unfortunately he missed one of the last fences we were going to jump and he fell quite heavily. I spoke to Paul at Kempton [on Saturday] and he said he was a bit stiff but he’d cantered every day since.

“He’s going for the Gold Cup, you can’t go there half-cocked. I’ve no idea if he’ll miss the race, a lot can happen in 24 hours and it is two weeks away. As Paul said it’s 50-50 so we’ll see what happens.”

PRECIOUS DREAM: Coolmore set to open account

THE SIGHT of Michael Tabor’s silks on board Precious Dream at Dundalk tonight is a sure sign of spring and the regally-bred filly can score for her powerful owner, writes Brian O’Connor.

The daughter of Mr Greeley and the Oaks heroine Lady Carla lines up in the opening six-furlong maiden and it will be interesting to see how far forward trainer David Wachman has her. A third to Teolane on her juvenile debut suggests Precious Dream is a sharp sort who can set the 2012 ball rolling for Coolmore.

Jim Bolger has been in sparkling form already at Dundalk and Naoise’s 6lb pull with Cailín Coillteach on their last clash could see a reversal of fortunes in the six furlong handicap.

Banna Boirche was out of luck during his stint in Dubai but the proven course and distance winner can regain winning form in the mile conditions event.