Nicholls Predicts Star Will Shine Again Paul Nicholls expects Kauto Star to bounce back despite losing his totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup crown to Denman. The eight-year-old suffered a seven-length defeat at the hands of his stablemate at Prestbury Park on Friday, 12 months on from own win in the feature event. While Denman is now set for a summer break, Nicholls could consider running Kauto Star again as he chases the Order Of Merit prize and the trainer has warned punters not to discount his dethroned champion. "I haven´t really had time to think (about future plans) yet," he told Channel 4´s Morning Line. "Denman is certainly not going to run again this season. All I can say is both horses are in fine form this morning and whatever happens, Kauto will be back - don´t write him off. "There is a chance (he could run again this season) but his welfare comes first. "If we´re happy with him and he´s fresh and well and there´s a suitable race, we might run him but if we think he´s done enough then he won´t run - it´s as simple as that." Nicholls had an extra reason to celebrate on Friday as he also saddled third-placed Neptune Collonges and the Gold Cup trio are set to be the star attraction at the handler´s Ditcheat base on Saturday. "We had a great evening and none too late as we have a busy day today. We have got many runners and we´re going to parade the horses in the village a bit later on so we´ve got a fair bit to do," he added. "We had a great evening, all the staff deserved it as they have worked hard to get us where we were this week." Nicholls was also crowned leading trainer at the Festival while stable jockey Ruby Walsh took the top rider title. (C) PA Sport
