THE racing media has been full of him for ages, but today is crunch time for Kauto Star who lines-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, National Hunt racing's blue riband, on the final day of the Festival.
Trainer Paul Nicholls has been "astounded" by the achievements of Kauto Star this season, and the old boy has been taken to the hearts of race fans like no other since Desert Orchid, and is today set for a rematch with last year's Gold Cup winner Long Run.
Having looked on the verge of retirement when pulling up at Punchestown in May, Nicholls has coaxed Kauto Star back to his best by plundering a fourth Betfair Chase and a record-breaking fifth King George.
Long Run was left trailing in his wake on both occasions.
After having recovered from a schooling fall two weeks ago, Nicholls is now delighted with the veteran, who became the first horse to reclaim the Gold Cup in 2009.
"Kauto has astounded us this year and he now seems in really good form," said Nicholls. "He ran really well at Haydock, when Long Run came to him and he outstayed him, and his performance at Kempton in the King George was incredible.
"It's a different track at Cheltenham, but if he runs to the form of Kempton and Haydock, he has a massive chance. His record speaks for itself and it would be awesome for everyone involved if he could win another Gold Cup."
Nicholls also runs What A Friend, part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, who finished fourth last year. "What A Friend is a big each-way price and could finish third or fourth," said the trainer.
Long Run is trained by Nicky Henderson, who has been in wonderful form this week, and confidence in the stable is high that he can retain his crown. "The score is 2-2 and this is the decider, so let's hope it's a great race," said Henderson.
"He is seriously well and everything has gone great. We're happy where we are and Paul Nicholls is happy where he is, and I'd have been genuinely sad if Kauto Star came there and wasn't at his best.
"Kauto Star thumped us two times so we've got to get back and beat him. National Hunt racing wants this to happen."
Many believe the race will develop between the big two, but that may not be the case and Quel Esprit is taken to spring a surprise.
This horse has been overlooked in the build-up, but those who think back to the aftermath of his Irish Hennessy win might just recall a nugget from trainer Willie Mullins that seemed quite telling at the time.
He is never one to talk up his charges, and while conceding the grey had plenty to find on the book, Mullins was quietly at pains to stress he had left a fair bit to work on. The word from jockey Ruby Walsh and Mullins was he has always jumped well, and was considered the best of the powerful stable's novices a few years ago.
So, with stamina assured and the potential to be a big improver, particularly as an eight-year-old, he is a perfectly plausible selection for the race.
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