King facing crucial workout

Kicking King faces a crucial workout later in the week before his participation in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup is confirmed.

Tom Taaffe´s 2005 race winner made a pleasing comeback after a long lay-off but was ultimately disappointing when only third at Gowran last time.

However, Taaffe is keen to put a line through that display and still believes his stable star has a chance of toppling hot favourites Kauto Star and Denman.

"He had a trapped nerve after Gowran," said the handler.

"He is still very good, thank God. He will do a bit of work later in the week and that will make our minds up.

"I´ve always said that on the day it comes down to whoever turns up and whoever is in the best form and everything has to go right for you."

Kicking King is a 25-1 chance for the Gold Cup with Paddy Power while the Paul Nicholls-trained pair of Kauto Star and Denman are even-money favourite and 11-8 respectively.

Paddy Power spokesman Paddy Power said: "Such is the dominance of the big two in the Gold Cup, punters can get 11-1 bar the pair with us.

"This makes it an excellent opportunity for any each-way thieves lurking in the shadows and 25-1 about Kicking King, who is after all a previous champ, looks very attractive."

totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, Paddy Power bet: Evens Kauto Star, 11-8 Denman, 11-1 Exotic Dancer, 20-1 Mossbank, 25-1 Halcon Genelardais, Kicking King, Neptune Collonges, 33-1 bar.