Kauto To Star On Sunday

Paul Nicholls has stated his desire for Kauto Star to see more more action this season as the Tingle Creek Chase winner makes his eagerly-awaited reappearance at Aintree on Sunday.

An early casualty when favourite for the Queen Mother Champion Chase in March, the six-year-old will take his chance in the Bonusprint.com Old Roan Chase, a race Impek used as a stepping stone to bigger riches last season. Nicholls also runs Armaturk

Nicholls only ran the ex-French gelding on three occasions last term, with the objective being to try to keep him fresh for the two-mile championship at Cheltenham.

However, the plan backfired at the third fence and as a result racegoers can expect to see the exciting prospect ply his trade more often this time around.

He kicks off his campaign in the Grade Two limited handicap, understandably giving weight to all of his rivals, over two and a half miles.

And as Nicholls has previously indicated that Kauto Star will be entered for the King George VI Chase, it could be used to determine whether or not he will stay the three-mile trip of the Christmas showpiece.

'I run both Kauto Star and Armaturk in the Old Roan Chase,' said Nicholls. 'Kauto is in good order, but he will still improve for the run.

'Armaturk is also in grand order. I can see him going very well because he loves it around Aintree and he goes very well fresh.

'We tried to keep Kauto fresh last season for the big day and it didn't work, but we'll run him a few more times this season if we can. It's all about gaining experience with him still.'

In opposition to the Nicholls runners are Alan King's useful Nyrche, Sue Smith's admirable Mister McGoldrick and Inca Trail, formerly housed with Nicholls but now with Donald McCain.

(C) PA Sport