Denman and Kauto Star Ready for Action
Two Stable Rivals Denman and Kauto Star Win Their Preps for Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Festival is always the biggest event in England's jump racing. Though some of the most exciting horses we have seen in years are competing this year, the Friday Gold Cup is the race everyone is salivating over.
And that is down to the contest between lucky trainer Paul Nichols' illustrious eight-year-old stablemates, Kauto Star Fr (Village Star Fr) and Denman Ire (Presenting) who have never run against each other.
One would think no other horses were in the race but the two. The stunner would be if neither won.
On form, we know the French ace has the lead as the top-rated chaser in the world and would not need to improve to win a regular Gold Cup.
Except this is not a regular Gold Cup. He is up against Denman--a progressive horse who has never been pushed to his potential and a relentless galloper who may have an advantage both on ground conditions and stamina.
Betting is tightening up and the many bookies are shifting from the favourite Kauto Star to Denman.
Nichols' horses are both fit and ready to compete in the Cheltenham Gold Cup despite a shock scare after Kauto Star's Ascot win in the Commercial First Chase (Gr 1) under jockey Ruby Walsh where the horse showed 'exquisite' jumping poise and speed to easily defeat his rivals by eight lengths.
Kauto Star limped in the evening of the race and it was discovered that he had an infected fetlock. The shock was over quickly as it was easily treated and he shows no sign of weakness.
Denman also won his prep race by decimating his rivals in Newbury's Aon Chase (Gr 2) by a mere 20 lengths where he finally made a minor jumping mistake at the very end without losing his balance on landing.
Jockey Sam Thomas shows great rapport with the big fellow never pushing Denman to do more than he had to; the 20-length win could have been 40.
Their performances left viewers breathless and the quality of these two horses is seen as moving near or up to the Arkle level with fans inflamed, journalists partisan, bookies cautious, punters prejudiced, and the French and Irish thrilled with having produced these two stars.
If Denman wins, the Irish will go berserk.
Almost no one is without a favourite. Except me. I don't want to see either horse lose.
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