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By Dylan Jenear ValueChecker

Kauto Star Bang On-Course for King George
10/01/11

Although racing fans were robbed of their usual Boxing Day treat when officials at Kempton were forced to abandon the two-day Christmas meeting, their patience will be duly rewarded on what is being billed as ‘Super Saturday’ at the Sunbury venue this weekend.

Kauto Star
© Grossick Racing Photography

Kauto Star
Indeed, the two eagerly-awaited William Hill-sponsored Grade 1 races that were claimed by the frost, the King George VI Chase and the Christmas Hurdle, will form part of a high-octane, nine-race card, which also includes the highly competitive Lanzarote Hurdle. The best things really do come to those who wait.

There are no prizes for guessing the name of the main attraction on Saturday. Indeed, Kauto Star will be bidding to gallop to racing immortality by landing the King George for the fifth year in succession on Saturday. Paul Nicholls’ chaser equalled Desert Orchid’s previously unprecedented haul of four victories in this prestigious event when coming home in splendid isolation in last year’s renewal, and he is odds-on across the board to go a step further and set a new record.

The 11-year-old looked as good as ever when outpointing Sizing Europe, who may renew rivalry on Saturday, on his seasonal reappearance at Down Royal in November. Connections will have been delighted with that display, as Kauto Star ended the 2009/10 campaign on a low-key note in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Sent off the 8-11 favourite, he fell at the fourth-last in his bid to land jump racing’s blue riband event for the third time, but generally the gelding’s jumping is something to saviour.

The champion trainer has also entered The Nightingale for the three-mile contest. The son of Cadoudal landed a Grade 2 novices' chase at this track last season, and, like his illustrious stablemate, made a winning return at Down Royal. He is unproven beyond 2½m, but promises to be suited by a stiffer stamina test. However, this represents a significant step up in class for the eight-year-old, and the 20-1 on offer with Ladbrokes and is probably a fair reflection of his chance.

Nicky Henderson is also likely to be doubly-handed, with ante-post second favourite Long Run and the progressive Riverside Theatre. The master of Seven Barrows reports both chasers to be in good form.

Long Run created such a good impression on his UK debut over this C&D in the Grade 1 Feltham Novices’ Chase last season. He failed to justify favouritism in the BetVictor Gold Cup on his return at Cheltenham in November, though, and for all that he is extremely talented, the French import still looks sketchy at his fences on occasion, which is a concern ahead of Saturday’s assignment.

Meanwhile Riverside Theatre, winner of three of his five starts over the larger obstacles to date, shaped as though well worth a try at this sort of trip when scoring on his reappearance here in November. The King’s Theatre gelding is rated 30lb inferior to Kauto Star, but he’s open to improvement and has sound place prospects.

Forpadydeplasterer
© racing-images.co.uk

Forpadydeplasterer
However, for punters seeking a solid each-way alternative to Kauto Star, Forpadydeplasterer is worth a second look. The Irish raider is admirably consistent, having finished in the first two in all 12 of his starts over fences, and he’s another that may be suited by stepping up in trip (usually races over 2m/2½m).

Thomas Cooper’s charge was not at his best when chasing home Gauvain on his reappearance at Cheltenham, but ought to be sharper on Saturday. The nine-year-old’s form is rock-solid overall; he travels well in his races and jumps fluently, attributes which will stand him in good stead in the King George. I cannot envisage him finishing out of the frame, so the 16-1 on offer with Stan James , a price also available on Betfair , should be lapped up.

Most interesting of the remainder is Planet Of Sound, who had the re-opposing Nacarat a place behind in fourth when third to Imperial Commander in the Betfair Chase at Haydock last time. He signed off last season by landing the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup in Ireland, proving that he stays this sort of trip, and if he gets into a good rhythm jumping-wise he is another that could run into a place.

 

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