Nicholls reports Kauto in top form Paul Nicholls has issued a positive bulletin ahead of Kauto Star's bid for a historic fifth King George VI Chase win at Kempton on December 26. The 10-year-old gelding has won the last four renewals of the race, and if successful in the Boxing Day feature he would surpass Desert Orchid's number of wins in the contest. In his regular Betfair column, Nicholls said: "All four of my King George entries cantered today and haven't missed any work, and Kauto Star will be on the main gallop again tomorrow, I will make sure of that. "He is in top form and is mad fresh and well." The Ditcheat handler also has What A Friend, The Nightingale and Noland in at the latest entry stage, although the latter is a doubtful runner. "I have left the other three horses in the race to give myself options, which is obviously key in this weather," he said. "What A Friend has the Lexus as an option but if the weather is bad getting to Ireland, he could run at Kempton if the ground is good. He has never run right-handed before, but that isn't deliberate. "The Nightingale, winner of the Pendil at Kempton last February, may well run if the going is soft although he isn't a certain runner. "Noland runs in a "Jumpers' Bumper" on the all-weather at Kempton tomorrow," he added.
