KAUTO Star’s trainer Paul Nicholls doesn’t necessarily believe Long Run will be vastly better than last time when the star duo clash again in the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Nicholls confirmed that Kauto Star would line up with stablemate Master Minded, bidding for a record fifth victory in the Boxing Day feature.
Kauto Star was beaten 19 lengths into third by Long Run in last year’s King George and filled the same position behind Nicky Henderson’s charge in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
But Kauto Star, who turns 12 on New Year’s Day, gained his revenge when beating his much younger rival in last month’s memorable Betfair Chase at Haydock Park.
Long Run is a best-priced 6-4 favourite with William Hill, Coral, Paddy Power and Boylesports, while Kauto Star is 9-2 with totesport, Betfred and Paddy Power.
On the decision to run his stalwart alongside Master Minded, who is also owned by Clive Smith, the champion trainer said: “I had a chat with Clive as well as the lad who rides him every day and we felt that when they are really well, you’ve got to run them. Lots can change, but at this stage I’m really happy with him.
“He had a hard race at Haydock but in some years he’d had a couple of runs before the King George.
“I don’t think he was right last year – I don’t quite know why – but he seems a lot better in himself at the moment.”
On Kauto Star’s win at Haydock, Nicholls added: “Long Run is the horse to beat and I know he’s going to improve for the run but he’s got to find eight lengths on us.
“I know Nicky says he will come on for it, but you are not going to run Long Run in a £200,000 race if he’s not anywhere near ready.
“He looked fit to me, and I don’t think he’s going to improve as much as everyone thinks. It’s a totally different track, and it’s going to be a very interesting race.
“If Kauto runs at his best, like he did at Haydock, he’s got a massive chance.”
Ruby Walsh will be aboard Kauto Star, with Daryl Jacob will continue his partnership with dual Champion Chase winner Master Minded, who he steered to victory at Ascot on the same day at Kauto Star scored at Haydock.
Master Minded will tackle three miles for the first time at Kempton. And Nicholls said: “Ruby was never going to get off Kauto and Daryl rode Master Minded the other day. Kauto looks to be our number one, but don’t write off Master Minded.
“He showed huge improvement at Ascot and is sharper, fitter and stronger.
“He could do no more than he did the other day and likes a flat track. I don’t know if he’ll stay, but we’ll find out.”
Meanwhile Sam Waley-Cohen will be able to partner Long Run in the King George as his 12-day for taking the wrong course on Otage De Brion with a circuit to run of a handicap chase at Fakenham, will not begin until January 1 and only applies to days when there are races for amateurs.
