Kauto Star backed for 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup success

Any thoughts that Kauto Star should have been retired at the end of last season were firmly dispelled when the eleven year-old trounced his rivals in the Betfair Chase at Haydock Park on Saturday.

In a field that included current Cheltenham Gold Cup and King George VI Chase champion Long Run, Charlie Hall Chase winner Weird Al, plus Diamond Harry and Time For Rupert, the Paul Nicholls trained gelding went off at 6/1, which in fact was the biggest price he has been returned since racing in the United Kingdom.

Making almost every yard in the hands of Ruby Walsh the former two-time Gold Cup and four-time King George winner stayed on well from three out to draw clear of Long Run and record a six length victory, with Weird Al a further two lengths back in third.

To be fair connections of Long Run remained rather upbeat after the loss claiming that their horse would come on a ton for the run, reminding us that he was beaten first time out last season and look what happened after that.

Bookmakers reacted by cutting Kauto Star to a best price of 13.00 to record a third Gold Cup victory, while Long Run can now be backed at 3.75 with Sporting Bet to retain his crown. Weird Al is generally a 21.00 shot after a pleasing effort.