Star Prep Not Essential Owner Clive Smith would not be unduly concerned if Kauto Star arrived at Cheltenham to defend his totesport Gold Cup crown without the benefit of another run.While the extended two-mile-five-furlong Commercial First Ascot Chase remains a likely target on February 16, Smith would not necessarily risk his chaser on fast ground.Of Kauto Star, who landed his second Stan James King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, Smith said: 'He's fantastic, very well.'The timing (for the Ascot Chase) is good, being in mid-February, and it would be (an option) as long as the ground is not too fast.'I think Paul (Nicholls) is of the mind that he does not really need to have a race before we arrive at Cheltenham, as long as he's not too fresh,' he told Racing UK.'He showed on Boxing Day that he's a more settled horse this season.'Kauto Star remains favourite with all major bookmaking firms for the Gold Cup, except Coral, who cannot split him and stablemate Denman on 6-4.(C) PA Sport
