Kauto Star (4/5 Sporting Bet) is a hot favourite to do the hat-trick following an impeccable performance when winning the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. The ten-year-old trounced his rivals, some he will reoppose in Friday’s Blue Riband event, including Madison Du Berlais (66/1 various) and Imperial Commander (14/1 William Hill).
It was a sublime performance from the Clive Smith-owned gelding pinging every fence with poise and precision and then powering to the front on the turn for home and leaving his rivals in his wake.
Denman (7/2 various) has had somewhat of a chequered build-up which has seen him drift in price. On his reappearance, the Harry Findlay, Paul Barber-owned ten-year-old put in a masterful weight-carrying display when winning the Hennessy by 3 ½ lengths from What A Friend (33/1 various).
With top weight, ‘The Tank’ cruised through the race and ran his rivals into the ground with his vast stamina.
However, he was supposed to just have a nice prep run at Newbury in the Aon Chase, but under new pilot AP McCoy, failed to deliver.
He made a monumental blunder four fences from home nearly catapulting McCoy out the saddle and then at the third last did send the champion jockey crashing to the turf. So, it will be a guessing game whether or not Denman has got over that fall and can he bring his A game when lining up at 15:20.
You shouldn’t forget that there are several other decent horses going to the post and one of them who stands a chance is last year’s RSA Chase winner Cooldine (14/1 Totesport).
Willie Mullins runner has had a disappointing season but ran respectably in the Irish Hennessy at Leopardstown and will be better for the run and could mark good each way value.
Taranis (33/1 William Hill) came back from a lay-off of over two years to win the Argento Chase at Cheltenham in January and is bound to come on for that success.
The 2007 Ryanair Chase winner would definitely be in with a sneak of the minor honours if he can build on his reappearance success and at 33/1 could be the each way selection.
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