Nicholls backs Kauto
Paul Nicholls has leapt to the defence of Kauto Star in the wake of his last- fence exit from the Betfair Chase.
The champion trainer is to prepare his 2007 Gold Cup winner for the King George VI Chase at Kempton next.
On suggestions that Kauto Star might be past his best, Nicholls told BBC Sport: "Absolute bull. I've never heard such rubbish. We should enjoy horses like this, not knock them all the time."
Kauto 'would have won'
Paul Nicholls has defended Kauto Star after his failure to land a third consecutive Betfair Chase at Haydock.
The champion trainer said: "As soon as people realise they can't win every time, that it's a horse race and that they are not machines, the better.
"To be fair to him, he would have won. It might not have been impressive, but now it's down to me to get him back to his very best for Kempton."
Thomas still learning
Paul Nicholls has reflected on Kauto Star's failure to win the Betfair Chase for a third time at Haydock Park.
The Ditcheat handler said: "It's always easy in hindsight. What everybody seems to forget is that Ruby (Walsh) knows the horse better than anybody.
"He's ridden him 16 times. Sam (Thomas) had only ridden him once before and he's still learning about the horse a little bit."
Bowen eyes Hennessy
Peter Bowen's Snoopy Loopy may bid for a quick big-race double in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup on Saturday following his shock win in the Betfair Chase.
Bowen told BBC Sport: "We've got to look at the Hennessy. The weights are going up a stone and they can't put any horse's weight up above 11st 12lb, so he'd lose a lot of his penalty as well.
"You've got to look at the Order Of Merit as well."
Victor Chandler
Open an account with VC Bet and
we will match your 1st bet stake
with a free bet to a max of £25 to
use on an event of your choice.
PLUS place 5 more consecutive
Real Money Bets of £10 or more
and we'll give you
another £25 FREE BET!
When opening the account make
sure to quote TELETEXT OFFER
For full details see ITV p375,
C4 p621, or call
0 8 0 0 0 7 8 7 8 7 8
For T&C's see www.vcbet.co.uk