Kauto Star Confirmed For Gold Cup Run at Cheltenham

It appears as though living-legend Kauto Star has pulled off another incredible result, this time however, it's an off-the-track victory that's earning him so many plaudits. Having taken a very bad fall just a few weeks ago while schooling over fences with regular pilot Ruby Walsh in the irons, Kauto Star was looking unlikely to run in the Gold Cup with many bookmakers taking him out to 8/1 from a 4/1 listing.

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However, after just under two weeks of training and lots of top-notch care and attention, Kauto Star has been not only passed fit, but put in an “awesome” shift according to statements made by his connections.

Seeking his third Gold Cup and looking to complete a hat-trick of victories over the usurper to his chasing crown, Long Run, Kauto Star has been passed fit. The twelve-year-old sensation proved that he's still got what it takes after a fantastic schooling session Monday morning.

Writing in his column on Betfair, Nicholls declared “Clive and I have given Kauto Star the green light for the Cheltenham Gold Cup after a very good schooling session on the grass this morning. Ruby came over to school him and Kauto was awesome, just as I'd thought he would be.”

Kauto's morning work included six fences with one plain fence and the open ditch three times over. Nicholls described the work as “magnificent”.

The bookmakers have also proven that they genuinely believe Kauto Star has what it takes to get the job done at least one more time. He's been taken back into 4/1 and in some cases can be spotted as low as 10/3 with most bookmakers floating him at a general 7/2.

Grands Crus has pulled out following Kauto's confirmation and that really tells you something – contenders are ducking Kauto Star but they aren't ducking Long Run. He remains the firm betting choice at 6/4 with a few 2/1's and the odd 13/8 being available.

Burton Port is the only other contender listed at an odds-on price and he's available at a 7/1 listing for the most part.

All Systems Go for Cheltenham Festival Favourites

As final confirmations came into the Cheltenham Festival there were no last minute shocks or line-up changes that have significantly altered the wagering. Following Kauto Star's confirmation in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, we've seen Grands Crus pointed towards the RSA Chase by his connections who are looking to avoid the two-time Gold Cup champion.

Only five remain in the mix to take on Sprinter Sacre in the Racing Post Arkle, which is one of the key events on opening day tomorrow. Punters will find him hovering around 5/6 which is not bad odds considering where he's been floating at on the ante post markets up until this point. The likes of AL Ferof, Cue Card and Menorah are all here looking to take a chunk out of the purse money. Sprinter Sacre could prove to be the real deal here and Paddy Power could wind up having to refund upwards of £3,000,000 as they are offering money back on losing horses if he wins.