Kauto To Star At Aintree

Tingle Creek Trophy winner Kauto Star is set to make his seasonal bow in the Grade Two bonusprint.com Old Roan Chase at Aintree on Sunday.

Paul Nicholls' chaser was sent off the 2-1 favourite for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March but fell at the third fence.

That was only his third start out of novice company after finishing runner-up to Monkerhostin in the Haldon Gold Cup in November and his victory over Ashley Brook in the Sandown showpiece.

However, Nicholls is set to campaign him more aggressively this season with a step up in trip a distinct possibility.

'Kauto Star is in good order and the intention is to run him at Aintree on Sunday over two and a half miles,' said Nicholls.

'He is going nicely at home, he has done a lot of schooling and suffered no ill effects from his fall in the Champion Chase.

'It's a long season and he will improve for the run.

'I'm open minded about what will be his best trip. I'm starting him off over two and a half and this side of Christmas his target will be the Tingle Creek but I'm not convinced that he might not be better over further.

'He'll definitely have an entry in the King George.'

Another of Nicholls' stable stars nearing a return is Royal & SunAlliance Chase winner Star De Mohaison who could reappear in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on October 28.

'Star De Mohaison is very well and could go for the Charlie Hall up at Wetherby a week on Saturday,' Nicholls told At The Races.

'There is also a decent prize at Ascot on the same day ? a lot will depend on the ground but he is virtually ready to go. It will possibly be the Charlie Hall for him.'

(C) PA Sport