Paul Nicholls' exciting prospect Kauto Stone is set to head for the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown next month.
The French import is a half-brother to illustrious stablemate Kauto Star, and made a fine debut for Nicholls when winning the Grade Two ladbrokes.com Chase at Down Royal earlier this month - the 2,000th career winner for the Ditcheat trainer.
A Grade One winner in his native country, Kauto Stone will return to that level at Punchestown, and could go for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in March.
Speaking in a question and answer session on Betfair's Twitter feed this evening, Nicholls said: "Plenty asking about Kauto Stone. He runs in the John Durkan on Dec 11th. If all goes well we'd head for the Ryanair."
Nicholls also confirmed Denman on course for the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, with recent Exeter winner The Knoxs, owned by Graham Wylie, bound for the Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham's December meeting
What, if any, is Rubi Light's intended Cheltenham target this season? The Ryanair or perhaps the Gold Cup?
I also notice that Sizing Europe has been entered for the Durkan. Is that simply a case of chasing the decent prize money, or are the connections looking to see whether he is Gold Cup material?
What, if any, is Rubi Light's intended Cheltenham target this season? The Ryanair or perhaps the Gold Cup?I also notice that Sizing Europe has been entered for the Durkan. Is that simply a case of chasing the decent prize money, or are the connection
Sizing Europe (15/8) , Kauto Stone (3) , Wishfull Thinking (10/3) , Gauvain (10) - Others 20 or more
Ruby's (on the morning line) only concern was "if he was a Grade 1 horse over 2m" (no worries about his jumping after winning in Down Royal)
Sizing Europe (15/8) , Kauto Stone (3) , Wishfull Thinking (10/3) , Gauvain (10) - Others 20 or moreRuby's (on the morning line) only concern was "if he was a Grade 1 horse over 2m" (no worries about his jumping after winning in Down Royal)
If Sizingruns to his best can only be one winner .....imagine if the champion 2mile chaser was with Nicholls and Kauto with H de Brom Sizing be short then....Sizing needs a shocer to lose this ......probably capable of that though so thats the the only worry......15/8 a bet
If Sizingruns to his best can only be one winner .....imagine if the champion 2mile chaser was with Nicholls and Kauto with H de Brom Sizing be short then....Sizing needs a shocer to lose this ......probably capable of that though so thats the the on