Paul Nicholls: Kauto Star will race again next season, as will Denman

Paul Nicholls has today confirmed that both Kauto Star and Denman will stay in training as 12-y-o’s.

After both horses ran huge races in this week’s Gold Cup, without being able to cope with the much younger Long Run, there was much speculation that the pair would be retired at the end of this season.

Speaking on Twitter, Nicholls said: "Just to end all speculation and rumour once and for all Kauto and Denman are not going to be retired!"

It may be that Kauto Star is asked to compete at the Punchestown Festival in May but Denman is not likely to race again this season.

Bet365 are offering 16/1 about both the Ditcheat stars for next year’s Gold Cup, with Long Run predictably installed as the early favourite at 3/1. There are some other interesting contenders near the head of the market, namely Captain Chris, so impressive in winning the Arkle over 2-miles and Time For Rupert, who ran a shocker in this year’s RSA chase but is clearly a contender on his earlier novice form.

With almost a year to go, it is mighty difficult to make a call but to single out the best price on offer at this stage, I think punters could do worse than side with Diamond Harry. Remember, prior to his late defection, the horse was less than half the 16/1 on offer for next year’s race and he will go to Cheltenham a 9-y-o in 2012. A winner of 10 of his 13 races, he has the potential to challenge Long Run if all goes well between now and then and maybe a little each-way now will look shrewd come post time.