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Hennessy Gold Cup |
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racing news /
By Billy Blakeman ValueChecker
Kauto Star to Miss Hennessy Gold Cup
16/11/10
Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls and owner Clive Smith have decided not to run Kauto Star in the Hennessy Gold Cup later in the month.
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Nicholls told his online column; "I have just put the phone down to Clive and we have taken the decision NOT to run Kauto Star in the Hennessy. We have decided that the horse has two priorities this season, the King George and the Gold Cup, and we weren't going to jeopardise those by going to Newbury."
"Having always loved the race, Clive was very keen, and I wouldn't have stood in his way. The race and course would have suited him, and it would obviously have been one of the all-time great handicap performances had he gone to Newbury, and won. We have always been adventurous with this horse, as we showed when winning the Tingle Creek in between his 2006 Betfair Chase and King George victories. And he isn't getting any younger at 10."
Discussing the reasons for the decision, Nicholls continued;
"Firstly, Kauto Star came back from Down Royal a little bit quiet, as you would expect after the travelling and a hard race," the Ditcheat handler added. You need to be at the top of your game to win a Hennessy. Especially when running off a mark of 190. Secondly, while he is fine and could have run in the race, you have to look at what running at Newbury could have done to the rest of his season. One of his two main targets this season is the King George, and he would be the first horse to win the race five times if successful on Boxing Day. There was clearly a big danger of leaving the King George behind had he gone to Newbury. I suppose, in the back of our minds, there may have been a third reason, too. The unavailability of Ruby (Walsh)."
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"Denman will go to Newbury seeking to make history of his own in trying to become the only horse to win the race three times, with Mandarin and Arkle the other two-time winners," Nicholls said.
The best bet on Tuesday may be You Can Of Course in the 3.10 at Folkestone. The 7-y-o has a massive 22 lb turnaround with Portrait Royale on their form in this race last year and with ground conditions in his favour and from a yard in form, it will be disappointing if he gets beat.
Recommendation: 3.10 Folkestone - You Can Of Course
