Kauto Star returns at Haydock
Dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Kauto Star makes his much-awaited seasonal debut in Saturday's Betfair Chase at Haydock, where Paddy Power makes him a 5-4 favourite to continue winning ways.
At first glance this price might seem a bit skinny, but, upon reflection, there are a number of reasons why this might be a very good bet indeed.
The champ would have to give all of his rivals over a stone in weight if this was a handicap as he is rated 17lb better than his closest challenger.
Also some pundits argue that he won't like the soft ground, but he won a vintage renewal of this contest in 2007 on soft and cut his teeth winning on very soft ground in France.
Paddy rates Notre Pere and Madison Du Berlais as the two biggest dangers at 2-1 and 6-1 respectively, but while the former has been talked of as a potential Gold Cup contender, he still has to prove it, while Madison was in a different parish to Kauto in last year's Gold Cup.
Conditions have definitely come right for Notre Pere with the soft ground, although he took a tumble on his reappearance at Down Royal and it is yet to be seen whether that has had an effect mentally.
He was an easy winner of the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup, but that field was nowhere near as good as the English equivalent and it will take a mighty effort to lower Kauto's colours.
Madison goes on any ground and to beat Exotic Dancer by four and a half lengths as he did on his last outing is fine form. He may well be Kauto's greatest threat, but that doesn't mean further improvement is not still required.
Last year's Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander is no back number, but does he stay three miles, especially on soft terrain?
Betfair Chase Winner
5/4 Kauto Star
2/1 Notre Pere
6/1 Madison Du Berlais
9/1 Imperial Commander
14/1 Halcon Genelardis
66/1 Rambling Minster
100/1 The Sawyer
