PUNTERS are keeping their powder dry at this stage and trade in the market is light but the early Betfair betting puts Kauto Star in at 8-15 to win the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal on Saturday.
For only the second time in his UK career, Kauto Star ended last season with two consecutive defeats. But he clearly has outstanding form claims in this Grade 1 3m contest.
Timeform rate him a 16lb superior horse to the 5-1 second favourite in the race, The Listener, in their recently-published Chasers & Hurdlers 2007/08.
Kauto Star has won the Betfair Chase for the past two seasons ? taking the race en route to netting the exchange's #1M bonus in the 2006/07 season - and he currently trades at 5-4 on Betfair to triumph in the Haydock race for a third time next month.
Betfair's Irish spokesman Eoin Ryan commented: "The form book suggests Kauto Star should win easily at Down Royal on Saturday but his ring-rusty effort on his reappearance at Aintree last season could tempt the layers to take him on, and it would be no surprise if he was allowed to drift from his current price. His chief market rival has a fantastic record in Ireland and will certainly appreciate any deterioration in the going description.'
'However, if Kauto Star comes back with a bang at Down Royal, there may not be much to choose between him and Denman in our Cheltenham Gold Cup betting.
"As it stands Denman is available at over 9-4 and Kauto Star just under 9-2 on Betfair.'
The JNwine.com Down Royal Champion Chase
Betfair bet: 8-15 Kauto Star, 5-1 The Listener, 7-1 Snowy Morning, 14-1 A Fistfullofdollars, 16-1 Turpin Green, Knight Legend, 35-1 Notre Petre, 54-1 Light On The Broom, 99-1 Oh Jackie
For daily horse racing betting tips and racing previews, visit Betfair's Irish horse racing blog.
