Hi °C | Lo °C If there were any silly doubts about Kauto Star being up there with the all-time best, he dismissed such notions with a brilliant return to winning form in the Betfair Chase at Haydock.
Taking that on board with his victories in the King George VI Chase — the only horse to win each four times — and the only one to regain the Gold Cup, it more than marks him down as a remarkable performer.
No wonder trainer Paul Nicholls is considering a fifth attempt at the big Kempton race on Boxing Day but don't be rushing in to take the 12-1 on offer. There isn't an awful lot of mileage left in the 11-year-old and don't be surprised if he is kept fresh for another Gold Cup charge in March.
The Nicholls camp have the younger Master Minded as an alternative for the King George and under the same ownership, it's unlikely Clive Smith will want them to race each other.
Imagine the dilemma Ruby Walsh would have as to which one he would ride.
Master Minded is a superb jumper as he showed in the Amlin Chase at Ascot and while there are doubts about his stamina for three miles, the left-handed Kempton track, like Ascot, suits him perfectly.
There would no point in making life more difficult for him with the presence of Kauto.
Also, Long Run who jumped poorly when second in the Betfair, will improve greatly for the run. He too likes Kempton as does his trainer Nicky Henderson who had four winners there on Monday as part of a 66-1 seven-timer on the day.
But Long Run is far from bomb proof over fences and that makes Master Minded a great each-way bet at 6-1.
He'll be nowhere near those odds if Katuo is pulled out of the race. Henderson brings former Champion Hurdler Binocular back into action on Saturday in the Fighting Fifth but be cautious. He invariably needs a run under his belt and was beaten two years ago at odds-on in this race.
He was a disappointment last season after winning the Christmas Hurdle and there are too may question marks about him first time out, especially with the likes of Celestial Hero and Overturn in opposition.
Paul Nicholls keeps on taking the major races on a Saturday, so Celestial is the best call at 4-1 while in the big one at Newbury, the Hennessey Gold Cup, he relies on 6-1 joint-favourite Aiteen Thirtythree with Walsh on board.
Tons of stamina are needed for this race and one who does not lack in that department is the Donald McCain-trained Wymott who comes in with a low weigh and runs well when fresh. He was pulled up injured in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham and this is his first race since but with Jason Maguire on board and carrying only 10st 2lbs, must have a cracking chance at 7-1.
