Kauto could face 12 in Betfair Chase

Kauto Star heads 13 horses standing their ground at the confirmation stage for Saturday's Betfair Chase at Haydock.

The dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner took this prize in 2006 and 2007, but unseated Sam Thomas at the final fence when going for the hat-trick 12 months ago.

Clive Smith's ace performer has not been since becoming the first horse in history to regain the blue-riband prize in March when he defeated stable companion and 2008 Gold Cup hero Denman.

Trainer Paul Nicholls has also left in Nozic in a race that still has several quality entries.

Notre Pere is the sole Irish possible and his trainer Jim Dreaper is considering the Merseyside showpiece for last season's Welsh National and Punchestown Gold Cup scorer.

The eight-year-old blotted his copybook on his return when falling in the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal earlier this month.

'Notre Pere is a possible runner for the Betfair Chase, as things stand. He came out his fall at Down Royal fine and it was just one of those things that can happen in racing,' said Dreaper.

'We will do a more serious schooling session on Tuesday - his jumping seems to be fine - and we will delay a final decision until after that.

'At the moment, there is a good chance that he will come over to Haydock Park, especially if the ground is soft.

'I wouldn't be concerned about taking on Kauto Star - we need to get Notre Pere running after that blip the other day.

'We could wait until the Hennessy, which is always a very competitive race, but we are inclined to go for the first race that is available to him.'

Connections of Madison Du Berlais, winner of the Hennessy Gold Cup and totesport Bowl, are not afraid of taking on Kauto Star.

'Speaking to his owners over the weekend, we are probably leaning more towards the Betfair (rather than the Hennessy),' said trainer David Pipe.

'I'm sure it will be a top-class race. Kauto Star is the one to beat and Notre Pere will love conditions, as will Madison Du Berlais.

'He's in great form, is still eight years old and looks very well.

'The plan is to go to the King George. As for beating Kauto Star, I don't know, but every horse is beatable,' Pipe told At The Races.

Other interesting include Ryanair Chase victor Imperial Commander, The Queen's Barbers Shop and 2008 Arkle Trophy winner Tidal Bay.

Completing the baker's dozen are Albertas Run, Halcon Genelardais, Nacarat, Rambling Minster, Seymour Weld and The Sawyer.

Kauto Star opened at 5-6 with the sponsors but Betfair believe he could go off odds against.

'For all his brilliance, it doesn't look as though Kauto Star has scared off the opposition this time, and he could just be sent off at odds against on Betfair, with the proviso that his main rivals stand their ground and it is heavy going come the weekend,' said Betfair spokesman Tony Calvin.

'And, having spoken to the course today, both scenarios are a distinct possibility.

'It is currently soft and a wet and windy week is forecast, and who would have thought Kauto Star could possibly start at odds against on his next start after trouncing the Gold Cup field by 13 lengths in March?'