Kauto fine after Haydock triumph

Kauto Star is reported to be in tip-top shape following his heart-stopping win in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.

The dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero was winning the Merseyside feature for the third time in four years but was pushed all the way by Imperial Commander and there was only a nose between them at the line.

Now the Clive Smith-owned nine-year-old will attempt to win the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton for a fourth time on St Stephen's Day.

'He's A1. Obviously we were pleased that he won. It was a tight race, but it was what we wanted to start the season off and now it's all systems go for Kempton on Boxing Day,' said trainer Paul Nicholls.

'It was a proper race for every fan of jump racing. It was a good race and he's fine.'

Kauto Star is 10-11 with the sponsors for the King George and favourite at a best-priced 7-4 for the totesport.com Cheltenham Gold Cup.