BOBS WORTH FAVOURITE FOR CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP 2013

FORTY entries for the Cheltenham Gold Cup were revealed today (Wednesday) with Bobs Worth leading the pack as the favourite.

The horse, who is 3-1 with the sponsors of the 3m 3 ½f race, is one of many that is shaping the 2013 festival as a showpiece to watch on March 15.

Competition is building up and other horses including Long Run, Finian’s Rainbow, Tidal Bay and Kauto Stone were also among the 40 going for gold.

Stablemate Long Run is one of five entries for trainer Nicky Henderson – Finian’s Rainbow, Riverside Theatre and Roberto Goldback also make up the team.

Kauto Star may have said a sad farewell to racing, but trainer Paul Nicholls still has strong horses in the mix.

I think Tidal Bay is the one to watch from Nicholls’ team – his performance in the Lexus Chase was very good and impressed punters across the UK.

Ruby Walsh constantly pushed the 11-year-old until the end of the chase and he proved, along with Kauto Star, that being an older racehorse is not a disadvantage.

Entries from Nicholls’ yard also include Silviniaco Conti, Kauto Stone and What A Friend.

Is Bobs Worth a worthy favourite for the contest or can another entry go for gold on March 15?

KAUTO STAR RETURNS TO YARD BUT SHOULD HE RUN AGAIN?

As the world of Flat racing holds its breath over the where Frankel will run his last race, there is a similar story to be told within National Hunt racing. 

Kauto Star has returned to Paul Nicholls' yard at the same time his stable mate Denman has left for a post-racing career as a team chaser. 

With questions being raised over the horse's future, should the popular 12-year-old return to the track for one last race? 

Kauto Star's previous run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup certainly enlightened these thoughts. Despite a heavy fall in schooling three weeks before the race, Nicholls still decided to enter his champion alongside rival Long Run.

However, it was too much to ask from the two-time Gold Cup champion, as jockey Ruby Walsh pulled  him up before the tenth fence. 

When Walsh finished the popular race that day, the crowd immediately cheered and clapped. It was noise worthy for a winner. 

And that's what I believe Kauto Star is: he is one of NH's finest, similar to how Frankel is to the Flat. 

I admire the ambition and faith Nicholls puts into Kauto Star as he is a wonder to watch. Last season the old race horse stamped his authority on NH racing. He landed a fifth King George VI Chase title at Kempton as well as returning to Haydock in perfect form. But best of all he is now mentioned in the same awe that Desert Orchid always will be.

I believe that Kauto Star has run his last race and we should remember him for the great titles he has already won; not the ones we thought he could. 

It has been an absolute pleasure watching the 12-year-old compete all his life. But for now I think that Kauto Star should follow Denman in a post-racing career. He has been out of the field all summer and despite having time to rest and soak up more energy, Nicholls should hang up his reins.

I agree that having Kauto Star back on the track for another potential win would be fantastic, but I would hate to see him having to be pulled up again.

If the champion did return for another season, he would have to be sure of a win, otherwise it will be difficult to remember him in the same light as we do now. 

But what an outstanding career he has had. Kauto Star and Frankel = two wonders of the sporting world. 

KAUTO STAR EXITS FROM GOLD CUP BUT REMAINS THE WINNER OF RACING

And so the Cheltenham Festival is over for another year. Racing's most spectacular event has ended with shocks, surprises, happiness and sadness.

Kauto Star's exit from the Gold Cup produced a rare sight: applause and respect filled the grounds when Ruby Walsh pulled the horse up with 13 more jumps to go.

For me, the 2012 Gold Cup made me realise how much I love the sport as well as how much it made me realise I want to be a horse racing journalist.

Unfortunately I had a briefing at work at 3:30pm yesterday and as it takes me 15 minutes to drive there, I had to leave home five minutes before race time. 

'Damn', I thought. 'This year's Gold Cup is going to be magnificent but I was going to miss it.' 

Thank goodness for radio though! I tuned into the race and was able to listen to the commentary. Pheww! I wouldn't have to know the result of the race after everyone else. 

But I did something which I had never done before when listening to a race, or watching one for that matter. When Walsh pulled Kauto Star up, I cried. 

I know what some of you may be thinking, 'Crying over a horse?! That's pretty extreme.'

But Kauto Star isn't just any horse - he's a champion. He's respected throughout the racing world: he's a superstar. 

He has brought joy to the sport. Not only did we enjoy watching him race, but he loved racing. He doesn't want to be standing in a field chewing on grass all day long; he wants to be racing with Ruby and having crowds of spectators applauding him.

But then the race got to the crucial stage - it got so tense that I had to pull into the nearest car-park to listen to it.

I backed Midnight Chase as he is a Cheltenham horse, so I was at the edge of my seat when Dougie Costello was leading him round the course.

Goodness knows what people in the other cars thought: 'What is that girl doing waving her arms in the air and yelling at herself?'

A.P McCoy rode Synchronised to a glorious victory. No doubt about it. He niggled the horse throughout the race, giving him constant reminders and pushing him to first place.

He deserved the win but even though Long Run was heavily backed he failed to make an impact. Tony did a brilliant job. 

But Kauto Star will always be remembered in the 2012 Gold Cup as a hero, not a disappointment. He has made non-horse racing fans enjoy racing. People know who Kauto Star is. 

His name will go down in history along with the likes of Best Mate, Dawn Run and Red Rum. I think you will agree with me on this one because this sporting legend deserves it. 

SELECTIONS FOR DAY 4 OF THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL - GOLD CUP DAY

1:30 - Baby Mix
Pearl Swan [e/w]


2:05 - Magnifique Etoile
Raya Star [e/w]


2:40 - Brindisi Breeze


3:20 - Midnight Chase
Long Run [e/w]


4:00 - Cloudy Lane
Chapoturgeon [e/w]


4:40 - Changing Times


5:15 - Tanks For That

MIDNIGHT CHASE - DARK HORSE FOR THE GOLD CUP - MY OPINION

Midnight Chase could be a dark horse for this year's Cheltenham Gold Cup as recent performances have been highly successful.

Photo taken from Flickr, Creative Commons, by Meteorshoweryn

The horse has produced some wonderful yet memorable
performances this season and I believe that Dougie Costello can ride him to victory in two weeks time.

Since Midnight Chase won the Argento Chase in January, a dress-rehearsal for the Gold Cup, his yard has kept relatively quiet about the horse's success.

I think that this could work well in their favour - keeping Midnight Chase out of the lime-light could be what they need to keep the horse's performances at a high standard.

The media has focused strongly on Kauto Star and Long Run - they are, without doubt fantastic horses - but since beating Tidal bay at Cheltenham last time, I think Midnight Chase could surprise punters and come out on top.

Costello knows how to handle the horse: they make the ultimate team. Midnight Chase jumps fluently and is capable of staying ahead.

He is definitely one to watch.

It's always great to see an outsider beat the favourite, but with regards to Midnight Chase, I think he can handle it.

NICHOLLS WILL CONFIRM KAUTO STAR'S ENTRY FOR THE GOLD CUP SIX-DAYS BEFORE THE RACE

Photo used from flickr, Creative Commons and taken by CharlesFred

What a week it has been for Paul Nicholls and his champion horse Kauto Star.

Racing fans and experts took to Twitter yesterday afternoon to express their fears and thoughts of whether the twelve-year-old will race in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in a few weeks time.

Kauto Star injured himself in a fall last week at his stables in Somerset.

The steeplechaser has become one of the most popular jumps horses in the country so it is no wonder that a lot of people have debated over the incident.

Nicholls told Sky Sports news: "You get a little older and take a little knock and it just takes a little bit to get over it."


"It's getting better each day, so we're still hopeful. We've still got a fortnight."

We will know for sure whether or not Nicholls will enter Kauto Star in the Gold Cup six days before the race (March 10) yet the trainer said his horse will do "his last strong piece of work" and will need to be convincing if he is to be allowed to take part."

But now it has been announced that Grands Crus may race if Kauto is not fit. Even though this may cause disappointment for all racing fans, Long Run versus Grands Crus will still be a fantastic race - even if it's not as thrilling to watch.

Punters and professionals want to see a twelve-year-old steeplechaser give another horse half its age a run for its money. We want to witness the old-dog take on new tricks.

Long Run is a fantastic horse, you don't need me to tell you that. But watching Henderson's horse take on Nicholls' supreme champion is what people are paying to see.

NICHOLLS SAYS IT'S "EVEN-STEVENS" BETWEEN KAUTO STAR AND LONG RUN FOR GOLD CUP GLORY

"Even-stevens" is the phrase that easily sums up the thoughts of many punters towards this year's Cheltenham Gold Cup but it seems that Champion trainer Paul Nicholls thinks the same.

Nicholls believes the race will be too close to call when Kauto Star and Long Run battle against each other in the Betfred Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Friday March 16.

Twelve-year-old Kauto Star has been brought back to his highest form this season, which he proved in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day by beating Long Run.

Yet Nicholls has not underestimated the task that faces both horse and himself next month. He told the Racing UK podcast: "If Kauto was four years younger, then he would be favourite, but I suppose people think Long Run will be better suited to Cheltenham and he is the champion after all.

"Without a doubt, Kauto is better than last season, and it is difficult to know whether Long Run has improved since last year, so it should bring them closer together.

"Last year, he wasn't quite finishing, but if we can get him a bit fitter, he should finish better up the hill.

"He's cantered pretty much every day since the King George; we haven't been too hard on him but now's the time to up a gear."

So, is Nicholls really saying that it is "even-stevens" between Kauto Star and Long Run? Don't forget, Ruby Walsh said something similar at the King George VI and look what happened - he won by a clear mile!

I think that the yard play down Kauto's ability for the punters. Kauto Star is a superb horse and one that is still improving. So maybe, just maybe he could produce another spectacular performance and prove those against him wrong again.

LONG RUN LOOKS CERTAIN FOR DENMAN CHASE

LONG RUN looks sure to race in the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury as preparation for the Festival.

The six-year-old hopes to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup for the second time in his career but he faces rival Kauto Star yet again.

Owner Robert Waley-Cohen has had the Denman Chase in mind since Paul Nicholls' Champion horse beat Long Run in the King George VI Chase at Kempton.

LONG RUN TO RACE WITHOUT EAR-PLUGS IN CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP

LONG RUN is to run without ear-plugs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup against champion chaser Kauto Star.

Nicky Henderson has announced that the defending Gold Cup champion needs to have one or two changes in the hope of beating rival Kauto Star in the 2012 Festival.

As Henderson's preparations for the race may have over-relaxed Long Run, removing the ear-plugs will settle him down.

Henderson has also confirmed that Long Run might race in the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury next month as a prep-run before Cheltenham.  

KEMPTON - BOXING DAY (DEC 26)

The Three Big Races:

2:00 - Grands Crus

2:35 - Binocular

3:10 - King George VI Chase - Master Minded

          This is probably the most difficult race that I have ever seen. Two favourites lead the race, Kauto Star and Long Run. Can Paul Nicholls' horse win for the fifth time in his career? Or can Nicky Henderson's horse beat the King? Master Minded and Captain Chris look the most decent outsiders. I've seen Master Minded win superbly at Cheltenham, so Nicholls' second horse in the race is most likely to cause the biggest upset.

KAUTO STAR LOOKS READY TO MAKE HISTORY AT KEMPTON

ODDS are heating up in The King George VI Chase as Kauto Star has been cut to 3-1 after it has been announced that he will face just seven other horses.

Paul Nicholls' 11-year-old is bidding to become the first horse in history to win the Chase at Kempton for the fifth time.

Kauto Star previously battled against Long Run in the Betfair Chase at Haydock last month, and his win then proves to punters that the horse had returned to his former glory. 

Nicholls has created a double attack on rivals in the race as stablemate Master Minded will also run in the 3m Chase. 

Kauto Star was previously going to face eight other horses, but Philip Hobbs decided to take Hennessy runner-up, Planet of Sound out of the race.

Nicholls, Clive Smith and Nicky Henderson are getting their claws out this Boxing Day, as the King George 2011 looks set to create a fantastic atmosphere at Kempton.

If Kauto Star wins this race for the fifth time, history will be made. But, who are you backing?

Runners in the King George VI Chase:

Kauto Star, Long Run, Golan Way, Master Minded, Captain Chris, Somersby, Diamond Harry, Nacarat

KAUTO STAR AND LONG RUN TO BATTLE IT OUT IN KING GEORGE VI CHASE 2011

Kauto Star and Long Run are to come head-to-head once again in the King George this Boxing Day.

The two horses last battled against each other in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November.

Long Run was the favourite to win, but Paul Nicholls' 6-1 11-year old silenced critics by winning the Chase for the fourth time.

Nicky Henderson has announced that he expects Kauto Star to be the main threat as he attempts to win the King George VI Chase for the second time.

He claims that six-year old Long Run should race at his best at Kempton.

Stablemate Master Minded seems to be a key player in the mix and he adds to the competitive nature between Henderson and Nicholls. 

Boxing day is going to be a great day for all horse racing fans. It is an important day for Henderson as he needs to maintain a challenge to Paul Nicholls. 

My forecast:

Kauto Star does look promising and seems to be an ideal contender.

However, Long Run proved himself worthy at Haydock last month as he jumped fluently, but if he hadn't faulted mid-way, I believe he would have won.

Master Minded is a horse that I have always watched with interest - he has my backing for the King George. 

Kauto Star wins Betfair Chase at Haydock

Paul Nicholls claimed another victory in the Betfair Chase at Haydock with Kauto Star.

It is Kauto's fourth win for the Betfair Chase - silencing critics who voiced their opinions on how the 11-year old was not as successful as he used to be.

Clive Smith's 6-1 winner jumped fluently under Ruby Walsh's control and fought off Long Run's challenge over the last three jumps.

Nicholls was seen punching the air with triumph as Walsh crossed the winning post in prime position.

Kauto Star won by eight lengths.