Kauto on the right road

Paul Nicholls reported Kauto Star to take a "big step forward" on Saturday morning.

The remarkable 12-year-old is rated only 50-50 to make the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday week after a schooling fall.

However the champion trainer said on twitter on Saturday morning: "Just watched Kauto Star do a strong canter over 10 furlongs with What a Friend. Cliffords words. . "Big Step Forward"."

There were positive signs after the 12-year-old enjoyed a roll in his box after working on Friday, but no final decision will be made on his Prestbury Park participation until next weekend.

Nicholls earlier told Channel 4 Racing's The Morning Line: "It's getting better and better every day. He's never taken a lame step, he's never been off his grub, he looks great and he's cantered every day since it happened.

"He can't talk to you and tell you exactly where it (pain) is, it's impossible to tell. Clifford (Baker, head lad) can just tell by riding him.

"Every day he comes back from work, he always has a roll. He hadn't done that until yesterday morning, so that's a good sign. We're moving forward.

"The idea is to work him hard as normal next week and next Saturday he is due to do a strong piece of work, his last serious gallop, with Big Buck's.

"There are no fitness issues here, we haven't missed any work and he was fit and well.

"Next Saturday will tell us, then I'll have a discussion with Clive (Smith, owner) and Clifford. We'll all have a little input and see if we can come up with the right decision.

"It's a difficult decision, probably the biggest decision I've ever had to make.

"We've got it right so far this season, we want to try and get it right again."