Kauto scares off Betfair rivals
Monday, 17 November 2008 16:03Kauto Star will face a maximum of six rivals in his quest to win the Betfair Chase for the third successive year at Haydock on Saturday.
Paul Nicholls' brilliant eight-year-old dispelled all doubts that he was a spent force in the chasing game with an imperious performance at Down Royal first time out this season.
He may be joined by stablemate Gungadu who won the Racing Post Chase last season.
Exotic Dancer, Kauto Star's old adversary, will be looking to go one better this year for Jonjo O'Neill.
Robert Ogden's eight-year-old was beaten only half a length 12 months ago and despite some fine performances he went through the season winless.
Cloudy Lane is a possible for local trainer Donald McCain after a satisfactory reappearance in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree.
Last year's Grand National favourite is rated 21lb inferior to Kauto Star on official figures.
Ollie Magern, denied an emotional third victory in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby recently, will have another crack at the race having been unplaced in the last three renewals for in-form Nigel Twiston-Davies.
David Pipe's Victor Chandler winner Tamarinbleu and Peter Bowen's Snoopy Loopy, currently leading the Order Of Merit, complete the list of possibles.
