King Kauto Back On Top

Kauto Star claimed his second successive Betfair Chase to silence the doubters and light up a grey afternoon at Haydock.

Following his defeat at Aintree last month, some suggested the Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old would struggle to repeat his exceptional success of the previous season.

Yet he was back on top with a bang under super-sub Sam Thomas, who kept his composure aboard the 4-5 favourite to see off old adversary Exotic Dancer by half a length.

A jubilant Nicholls said: 'I had said last time he would need the run at Aintree and there´s not many three-mile chasers who would have laid up with Monet´s Garden that day.

'This and the Gold Cup have always been his targets, obviously there is one in between (King George) but the Gold Cup is the race I want to win with him now, and today shows we are back where we were.

'As long as everything is OK, the King George will be the plan and I know Ruby is itching to get back for that.

Nicholls also had kind words for 23-year-old Thomas, who was celebrating by far and away his biggest success.

'I never had any doubt about him,' Nicholls added.

'Sam used his initiative there and changed the tactics as we were going to drop him in.'

An ecstatic Thomas added: 'He was awesome and is such a big horse. He got a bit tight into the last, but barely made a mistake and he is a pleasure to ride.

'I am thankful to Paul and Clive Smith (owner) for giving me this opportunity, and am glad to prove to everybody I can ride the good horses on the big days.

'It is a great milestone in my career.'

Kauto Star was unbeaten in six races for Smith last year, netting a #1million bonus by taking three races which comprise the Betfair Million.

Smith said: 'He settled so well - and is a better horse than last year perhaps.'

King George sponsors Stan James trimmed Kauto Star to 11-10 from 11-8 for the Boxing Day showpiece, while Ladbrokes and William Hill are even-money about the favourite.

Exotic Dancer is 4-1 from 8s after finding his old rival just too strong again, and trainer Jonjo O´Neill joked: 'I could shoot that Kauto Star!

'But take nothing away from him as he is a wonderful, wonderful horse.

'I´m absolutely thrilled with our boy still - he´s run a blinder.'

Michael Hourigan was delighted with Beef Or Salmon, who stuck on well to claim third - 18 lengths behind the principals.

Hourigan said: 'He hadn´t run since April and Denis (O´Regan) said he needed the run.

'That will set him up nicely for the Lexus at Christmas, which is where he will go now, and I am really pleased - he is a wonderful horse.'

That race also emerged as a potential option for fourth-placed Turpin Green, while Alan King was quick to exonerate the disappointing My Way De Solzen.

'He was blowing for 35 minutes after the race and was very tired,' he said.

'I thought I had done plenty with him at home, but I clearly didn´t and he will go for the King George now.'

(C) PA Sport