• Cheltenham Festival

Kauto Star takes 'big step forward'

ESPN staff
March 3, 2012
Kauto Star won his fifth King George on Boxing Day © Getty Images
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Paul Nicholls has issued an upbeat bulletin on the condition of dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kauto Star.

The 12-year-old has returned to form this season, winning the King George VI Chase for a record fifth time, but his bid for a third Gold Cup was plunged into doubt by a fall on the schooling grounds last week.

Nicholls has stressed his charge will not turn up at Cheltenham in 13 days' time unless he is fully fit and he faces a key week ahead.

Kauto Star is said to be still stiff and sore, but he pleased Nicholls in a piece of work on Saturday.

Nicholls tweeted on Saturday morning: "Just watched Kauto Star do a strong canter over ten furlongs with What A Friend. Clifford's [Baker] words; 'Big Step Forward'."

He added: "We had a job pulling him up, Clifford was smiling, and it is good. He went back into his box and had a roll. He has a roll every day after work, but he did not roll all last week. So it is looking good."

His workload will be increased this week ahead of a schooling session and a strong gallop on Saturday, after which a decision will be taken on his participation in the Gold Cup.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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