Kauto & Pere line up at Haydock
Thursday, 19 November 2009 12:28Dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Kauto Star will face eight rivals on his reappearance in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.
Paul Nicholls' nine-year-old won the Grade One prize in 2006 and 2007 but unseated Sam Thomas at the final fence in last season's renewal.
Irish raider Notre Pere needs to bounce back having fallen on his return to action at Down Royal, while Imperial Commander and Madison Du Berlais are the main threats to Kauto Star from the home team.
Nicholls has a second string to his bow in Nozic, while Halcon Genelardais, Rambling Minster, Seymour Weld and The Sawyer complete the line-up.
Albertas Run, Barbers Shop, Nacarat and Tidal Bay are the four absentees from the confirmation stage.
Jim Dreaper admits his charge Notre Pere does not have the natural speed of Kauto Star, but is hoping the likely testing conditions will turn things in his favour.
'He had a school earlier in the week, which went fine, and as far as we can see, he's none the worse for his fall at Down Royal,' Dreaper told At The Races.
'He normally needs his first run but unfortunately he didn't get that at Down Royal as he only went about a mile and six furlongs.
'It normally takes him a race or two to get fully wound up but he's certainly ready to go.
'He would go on any ground except firm or good to firm but because of his lack of real pace, and I'm talking about Kauto Star pace, he's more effective when it becomes difficult for the others.
'At this stage, I don't worry too much about the result. All we hope is that he runs up to his best and we think he is a better horse this year.
'But thinking is one thing and seeing is what we need to do.'
