Kauto Star hacks up at
Down Royal
Kauto Star, sporting a sheepskin noseband for the first time, jumped well throughout the race
Report: Down Royal, Saturday
JNwine.com Champion Chase (Grade 1) 3m
KAUTO STAR's seasonal reappearance could not have been more impressive, the 2007 Gold Cup winner taking the JNwine.com Champion Chase in a mere canter at Down Royal.
The Paul Nicholls-trained eight-year-old, sporting a sheepskin noseband for the first time, jumped well throughout and cruised past long-time leader Knight Legend two from home to score ahead of 50-1 shot Light On The Broom.
Knight Legend took third with The Listener fourth. The only other runner in the field, Turpin Green, unseated his rider three out.
Kauto Star's owner Clive Smith was a happy man afterwards.
He said: "He just floated over the fences. He was magnificent today and Ruby was thrilled with him.
"We are very excited and will go to Haydock in three weeks' time for the Betfair Chase."
Nicholls said: "That was an awesome performance. He's been doing everything right at home and he did a piece of work with Twist Magic three weeks ago that made us think we could run him in anything.
"Hehad some hard races last year but he has bounced back. Today has taken nothing out him and all being well he'll be safe and sound for three weeks' time."
Bookmakers VCbet were quick to cut Kauto Star in the antepost markets, going 11-10 (from 5-4) for the King George and 3-1 (from 4s) for next year's Gold Cup.
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