PNicholls

IF anybody mentions the "R" word to me this week, then they can expect a short conversation!

In all seriousness, let's just concentrate on the horse, shall we?

It was only two runs ago, in March, that I momentarily thought Kauto Star may just win his third Gold Cup. And that is not just my biased eyes, as he traded at odds-on in running on Betfair, too.

And as those who were at Exeter for his recent racecourse gallop will have seen, Kauto Star looks fantastic at the moment, and is as alert as ever at home, never missing a trick. He has been working with all his customary verve and enthusiasm, and goes to the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday 100% fit and well.

And, with the current ground and a dry forecast, there should be no excuses for him at Haydock.

Of course, he faces a very stiff task against the likes of Long Run and horses of the class and potential of the best-when-fresh Diamond Harry, Donald's back-to-form Weird Al and the up-and-coming Time For Rupert.

Only eight are entered (I wasn't surprised to see Grands Crus not entered for the race at midday) but it looks a top class Betfair Chase.

But there is no point worrying about the opposition, I can't do anything about them.

Although Kauto Star won this race first time up in 2009 (the last of his three wins in the race), you don't tend to have Gold Cup winners hard fit for their reappearances and that gives us all hope that Long Run can be beaten, just as he was in the Paddy Power last season.

And, although Nicky had some horses run big races at Cheltenham, it could be that his horses are not quite at concert pitch at the moment, though he has been firing in plenty of winners. But Kauto Star certainly is at pitch and he won't fail through lack of fitness.

He did two canters up the hill today, will do will three tomorrow, will school on Wednesday and do some strong work on Thursday, with either Master Minded or Big Buck's, another two canters on Friday and will travel up to Haydock early Saturday morning.

And the afternoon will show us exactly where we are with Kauto Star.

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