Kauto Star has chance to gatecrash history books with Gold Cup treble (From York Press)

Kauto Star has chance to gatecrash history books with Gold Cup treble

10:03am Thursday 18th March 2010 in

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Kauto Star can write his name even deeper into the record books at Cheltenham tomorrow by winning the Totesport Gold Cup and becoming only the fifth horse in history to win it three times, following on from Golden Miller, Cottage Rake, Arkle and Best Mate.

Paul Nicholls’ popular star, imperious in this race 12 months ago, has looked in tremendous form this season, his wide-margin win in the King George VI Chase at Kempton’s Christmas meeting being one of the most impressive victories of his glorious career, which spans 20 wins from 33 starts.

Nicholls has an extremely strong hand in this showpiece race of the meeting, with Denman and Tricky Trickster firmly in the mix.

Winner of the Gold Cup two years ago, when he beat Kauto Star into second, Denman has had heart problems since. He did, however, produce a truly awesome performance to win the Hennessy Gold Cup earlier this season before blotting his copybook on his latest start in the Aon Chase at Newbury where he made two shocking errors and unseated Tony McCoy.

If Denman can come back to his best tomorrow, he will represent a major danger to Kauto Star, but all the signs point to the reigning champion retaining his crown. Tricky Trickster, winner of the Aon Chase, is likely to fight it out with Imperial Commander and Cooldine for place honours.

The nap vote is awarded to Secant Star in the opening JCB Triumph Hurdle.

Trained by Willie Mullins, who sent Quevega to win on the opening day, this smart four-year-old, a Flat winner in France, fell, when looking sure to score handsomely, on his hurdling debut at Leopardstown.

He has since made amends with a comfortable success.

Held in high regard, he is expected to make a bold bid under Paul Townend.

In the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, Tell Massini represents a major chance for trainer Tom George and Paddy Brennan, who replaces the injured Sam Thomas.

Winner of all three of his hurdles starts this season, Tell Massini has twice scored at Grade 2 level and is also a course winner.

It would be no surprise to see David Pipe win the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle – a race named in honour of his legendary father – with Ashkazar, who has tumbled to a very attractive handicap mark.

The Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle is another testing handicap and my vote goes to Tito Bustillo, whose form behind Bellvano at Newbury entitles him to plenty of respect.

Racing selections

Cheltenham
1.30 Secant Star (NAP), 2.05 Tito Bustillo, 2.40 Tell Massini, 3.20 Kauto Star, 4.00 Trust Fund, 4.40 Ashkazar, 5.15 French Opera.

Lingfield
1.55 Beggar’s Opera, 2.30 Cupid’s Glory, 3.05 Blues Music, 3.45 Lady Kent, 4.25 Libertino, 5.05 Mount Juliet, 5.40 Pastello.

Tomorrow’s other meetings:
Fakenham and Wolverhampton.

Today’s meetings:
Cheltenham, Hexham, Southwell and Wolverhampton,