Walsh fitness not a concern ahead of Kauto Star bid

Dec 21 2007 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

KAUTO STAR will face seven rivals in his bid for back-to-back victories in the Stan James VI Chase on Boxing Day. And connections have no worries over the fitness of the returning Ruby Walsh’s ahead of the big day.

The Irish jockey is due to return to the saddle at Thurles on Sunday after being out injured with a dislocated shoulder since November 17.

In his absence Sam Thomas was a more than able deputy aboard the Paul Nicholls-trained stable star in the Betfair Chase at Haydock last month.

And despite the fact Walsh will only have one day’s riding before Boxing Day does not concern Kauto Star’s owner Clive Smith, who is happy to have the Irishman back on board his pride and joy.

Smith said: “Kauto Star’s very well. I went to watch him school this morning, which went very well, and he’s looking really good.

“Paul hasn’t said anything to me about Ruby but he did say that he would like to see him ride for a day in Ireland before the race to prove his fitness – but Sam will be there on Boxing Day as well.

“Ruby has done such a marvellous job on him but you have to say that Sam did a wonderful job on him last time – the horse went very well for him. Ruby is the man and we’ll see how he goes, I’m sure he’ll go very well.”

Kauto Star will again lock horns with old rival, Exotic Dancer. The Jonjo O’Neill-trained was runner-up for a fourth time behind Kauto Star at Haydock last month and Smith added: “You have to remember at Haydock that the going suited Exotic very well indeed and he was well ridden by Barry Geraghty.

“The ground didn’t suit us quite so well but I think Kauto showed grit by staying on at the end and he wouldn’t let him pass. I think it suited Exotic last time but I think we are better than ever really.

“We’ll be looking at a race in February if we get through this one okay and then on to Cheltenham.

“Denman seems to have taken the pressure off us somewhat but as Paul has said, Denman won the Hennessy off 161 and Kauto would have done exactly the same, but he is obviously a very good horse.”

Meanwhile Alan King’s hopes to see an improved showing from My Way De Solzen, who was disappointing when only fifth behind the big two in the Betfair Chase.

King said: “He’s in great form. He worked yesterday and he’ll work again Saturday.

“We couldn’t school him this morning because of the frost so we’ll probably pop him over a few (fences) on Monday morning if the forecast is right.

“We’re very happy with him. He’s done a lot of work and he’ll be a bit straighter.

“He’s always worked very well at home and he hasn’t missed any work.

“He ran at Haydock on the Saturday but was back in work on the Wednesday and has worked twice a week since. I couldn’t do anymore.

“You don’t get any bigger than the King George. It is a proper race and I’m delighted to be part of it. The pressure is off a little bit after getting beat the other day but I’m looking forward to it.”

Parts of the course at Ascot are frozen, meaning today’s meeting must pass an inspection at 7.30am. The use of frost covers has been unable to stop the track from being unraceable in places, but with milder weather predicted for today and this evening, Saturday’s card – featuring the Long Walk Hurdle – may still go ahead even if they lose today’s meeting.

TODAY’S NAP: Sir Harry Ormesher (1.40pm Ascot).