Kauto Star’s trainer Paul Nicholls has cast doubt upon the notion Long Run will emerge a much-improved horse when the pair clash yet again in the King George VI Chase.
The big news on Monday concerned Nicholls’ decision to confirm Kauto Star would be joining stablemate Master Minded in the Boxing Day showpiece at Kempton in which the treasured chaser will be seeking his fifth victory.
He was third, 19 lengths behind Long Run, in last year’s race.
But Nicholls has taken great heart from the fact Kauto Star finished well in front of his Nicky Henderson-trained rival in last month’s memorable Betfair Chase at Haydock.
He was priced up at 4-1 by the sponsors behind 6-4 favourite Long Run.
Explaining the decision to run his stalwart alongside Master Minded, who is also owned by Clive Smith, the trainer said: “I had a chat with Clive as well as the lad who rides him every day and we felt that when they are really well, you’ve got to run them.
“Lots can change, but at this stage I’m really happy with him.
“He had a hard race at Haydock but in some years he’d had a couple of runs before the King George.
“I don’t think he was right last year – I don’t quite know why – but he seems a lot better in himself at the moment.”
Referring to the Betfair Chase, Nicholls continued: “Long Run is the horse to beat and I know he’s going to improve for the run but he’s got to find eight lengths on us.
“I know Nicky says he will come on for it, but you are not going to run Long Run in a STG200,000 ($A311,429) race if he’s not anywhere near ready.
“He looked fit to me, and I don’t think he’s going to improve as much as everyone thinks.
“It’s a totally different track, and it’s going to be a very interesting race.
“If Kauto runs at his best, like he did at Haydock, he’s got a massive chance.”
Nicholls confirmed Ruby Walsh will be aboard Kauto Star, with Daryl Jacob on dual Champion Chase winner Master Minded, who scored at Ascot last month but is stepping up to three miles (4800m) for the first time.
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