Gold Cup favourite Kauto stars again in Ascot prep

His flawless performance in the Commercial First Ascot Chase came as a timely response to the aggressive challenge laid down by his hulking stable companion Denman a week ago at Newbury.

Now the pair who share adjoining boxes at the yard of champion trainer Paul Nicholls are set for the greatest showdown in racing for years in the totesport Gold Cup on March 14.

Ridden positively by Ruby Walsh, Kauto Star eased into the lead three fences out and readily saw off Monet's Garden by eight lengths, with Racing Demon a close third.

Bookmakers cut Kauto Star's odds yet again with William Hill now the shortest at 8-11.

Denman, unbeaten in eight starts over fences, remains the underdog at 2-1.

Yesterday's result appeared to justify the decision of Nicholls' stable jockey Ruby Walsh to stay loyal to Kauto Star. Nicholls explained: "Obviously, Ruby was not going to get off the reigning champion."

Both men know matters will not be so straightforward at Cheltenham. Walsh suggested: "The horse did everything we wanted him to do here.

"My decision was made weeks ago so there's no point in wondering what is or what was. You just hope to God they both get there."

Nicholls admits a lingering allegiance to the horse who took the Gold Cup last March with a memorable display of power and pace in the finishing stretch.

He conceded: "None of us know how good Denman is, that's the question. But it will take an exceptional performance to beat Kauto Star. He's the champion and I think he's as well as he's ever been, if not better. On his form here he will be hard to beat, although it's a shame one of them will have to lose."

There was relief in his voice as he added: "I've never been as nervous as before this race. So much was at stake here but hopefully I can relax now."

As the arguments between the big two continue to rage, we had a timely reminder of the demands we place on our equine heroes.

In Ireland, the 2005 Gold Cup winner Kicking King was all but eliminated from this year's race after finishing a weary third behind the 33-1 outsider Ballistraw in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park.

Kicking King has been bedeviled with problems since his moment in the sun at Cheltenham. But despite this latest reverse, his trainer Tom Taaffe is intent on bringing him back for one more hurrah.

"Obviously, I would have been happier if he'd won," he said. "But if he is still fine in the next couple of days, it is still onwards for the Gold Cup. I've said from the start I'm training him for the one day, and I still am."

Kicking King is out to 33-1 with the bookies.