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Fitz Expects Star To Shine

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Kauto Star completed his preparations for Saturday's totepool Game Spirit Chase when working under Mick Fitzgerald at Paul Nicholls' Ditcheat stables this morning.

And the 35-year-old rider believes the six-year-old is in better form than when partnering him to success in the William Hill ? Tingle Creek Trophy Chase on December 3.

'I went down to Shepton Mallet and the horse looks in fantastic order,' Fitzgerald told At The Races.

'Every horse that was walking round before they went off to do their respective bits of work looked amazing and Kauto Star felt fantastic.

'He actually felt better than when I rode him before Sandown.

'He moved a lot better and felt in fantastic shape.'

Fitzgerald will again replace the injured Ruby Walsh aboard Kauto Star in the Game Spirit, with Nicholls' charge the general 2-1 favourite to prevail in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

? PA Sport

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