Star Shines In Racecourse Gallop

Kauto Star will bid for Queen Mother Champion Chase glory after pleasing trainer Paul Nicholls in a racecourse gallop.

The six-year-old travelled to Exeter at the end of last week and Nicholls was delighted with his performance.

'He went down to Exeter on Friday and worked over a mile and six furlongs with Ruby Walsh,' he told Teletext.

'Liam Heard rode Le Passing with him and I was very pleased, he jumped superbly.'

Kauto Star had been due to contest the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury last month but missed out when the meeting was abandoned due to frost.

Nicholls was keen to get a stiff piece of work into his charge as Kauto Star has not run since winning the Tingle Creek at Sandown last December.

'I really wanted to get a gallop into him but it was getting difficult with the bad weather and Friday was the perfect day for him,' added Nicholls.

'It's all systems go for Cheltenham next week now.'

? PA Sport