All eight horses have stood their ground at the final declaration stage for Boxing Day’s King George VI Chase at Kempton and punters are plunging on Kauto Star to gain an historic fifth win.
Ladbrokes were offering 4/1 yesterday morning about Paul Nicholl’s stable star but they have cut their price again today and are in from 7/2 to 3/1.
That is now the general price across the board, but Betfred and Boylesports are going a standout 7/2 and I can’t see that price lasting long.
Clive Smith’s gelding looked better than ever when beating Long Run in the Betfair at Haydock, and if he can run up to that level again it is going to be very difficult for Nicky Henderson’s Gold Cup hero to reverse the placings.
OK, Long Run will have come on a bundle for the outing but I think he is far too short at 5/4 on a track which Kauto has made his own.
Another negative as far as I am concerned is that Long Run will as usual be partnered by amateur Sam Waley-Cohen. I would much rather he was ridden by a professional and if it comes down to a driving finish I would rather have my cash on Ruby Walsh and Kauto any day of the week.
The roof will be raised at Kempton if Kauto does rewrote the record books, and given the huge public following he has I expect him to go off shorter than the 7/2 currently on offer.
I think he can do it, and he will certainly be carrying my cash at the 7/2 on offer.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 5pts win Kauto Star (7/2 Betfred, Boylesports – BOG)
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