Cheltenham Festival Microsite...

Txs suz had to check spelling thought T Rex latest hit and the answer was a tree?

Sorry about that

Kauto Star takes 'big step forward' after canter
 
BY RACING POST STAFF 10:34AM 3 MAR 2012
 
PAUL NICHOLLS reported on Saturday that Kauto Star has made progress in his bid to line up for the Betfred Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival.

The participation of the 12-year-old in the festival showpiece has become shrouded in doubt after the news emerged that he took a heavy fall while schooling at Ditcheat.

However, Nicholls, speaking on Channel 4 on Saturday afternoon said: "He's going in the right direction very quickly, Clifford [Baker] had difficulty pulling him up which is a good sign with him."

Nicholls had earlier released a positive bulletin on his Betfair blog. He said: "Kauto had his physio this morning and you could just tell that he had a bit more of a buzz and a spring in his step, and that a bit of the old swagger had returned.

"So we decided to send him out second lot and he did a strong canter over ten furlongs with What A Friend, and delighted us.

"And when Clifford pulled up and said 'big step forward', he didn't need to add anything. I could simply tell by the smile on his face."

Another canter is now scheduled for Kauto Star on Sunday as Nicholls hopes to maintain forward momentum, but he still urged caution about the legendary chaser's chances of making the race.

He added: "I cannot tell you how massively relieved I am to see Kauto progressing and going forward. Don't get me wrong, or carried away because he is not there yet.

"Not at all, and things can change daily, but this was a step in the right direction and I'm much happier.

"I just hope that Clifford and I are as pleased as with him tomorrow as we are right now."

Things looking up for Kauto Star



Kauto Star handles increased workload

BY RACING POST STAFF 12:28PM 5 MAR 2012

KAUTO STAR'S work programme was increased without incident on Monday as the 12-year-old cantered twice in the morning.

Trainer Paul Nicholls reported the legendary chaser to have come through the work fine.

Writing on his Betfair column, he said: "He had his physio and an hour on the walker as per usual. And then he had a 1m2f canter with Five Dream.

"But, in addition to that, he had a canter up the hill with the same horse. We will keep adding to this workload and tomorrow [Tuesday] he will do the same, but have two canters up the hill instead of one.

"Again, he is fine and we are heading in the right direction at the moment."

Monday's news is the latest positive bulletin to emerge from Ditcheat after Kauto Star pleased regular work rider Clifford Baker on Saturday, increasing optimism in the yard that he will be able to bid for a third Gold Cup after suffering a fall when schooling last month.

Bit of a fuss over the original video, so revised Kauto Star song / video here

Do u think I should post Long Run by the Eagles? Lol

Bump