Cheltenham Gold Cup: Denman v Kauto Star

Paul Nicholls is feeling confident as Kauto Star gets set to line up in his fourth consecutive totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.


Clive Smith's brilliant ten-year-old won the race in 2007, was second to stablemate Denman in 2008 and became the first horse in history to reclaim the title 12 months ago.


Only Golden Miller, Cottage Rake, Arkle and Best Mate have won the blue riband event three times, and all did it in consecutive seasons.


So a victory for Kauto Star would give him his own unique place in the history books.


Having been kept fresh since winning a fourth King George VI Chase in spectacular fashion, champion trainer Nicholls is feeling bullish again.


"It is impossible to say he is better than ever as it was such a wonderful performance at Kempton," said Nicholls.


"He worked with Master Minded last weekend and there are very few who can do what he did with a champion chaser.


"When he is fit, he is lethal and there is nothing I can say to put anyone off him."


According to the bookmakers, Kauto Star has most to fear from Denman, who finished second 12 months ago after an interrupted preparation.


Yet again Denman's last appearance before Cheltenham did not go to plan as he left his new jockey, Tony McCoy, on the floor in the Aon Chase which was won by another Nicholls' runner, Tricky Trickster.


McCoy is back in the saddle and the racing world is itching to see the two best horses and jockeys competing in the highlight of the season.


"Denman did a very good piece of work with Tricky Trickster at the weekend. The more you do and the more you drill him the better he gets," added Nicholls.