KAUTO STAR’S TRAINER Paul Nicholls has revealed that the legendary sprinter has taken a ‘big step forward’ in his bid to take part in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The 12-year-old was declared as a 50-50 chance to bid for his third win in the illustrious race but Nicholls told his Betfair column that he enjoyed a canter with stablemate What A Friend on Saturday morning, and all had gone well.

“Kauto had his physio this morning and had an hour on the walker, and you could just tell that he had more of a buzz and a spring in his step, and that a bit of the old swagger had returned,” Nicholls wrote.

“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 (Baker, head lad) pulled up and said ‘big step forward’, he didn’t need to add anything. I could simply tell by the smile on his face.

“I cannot tell you how massively relieved I am to see Kauto progressing and going forward.”

Nicholls did add a word of caution after earlier admitting he faced the biggest decision of his life regarding Kauto Star’s participation at Prestbury Park.

“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 can tell you.

“We were going to give him Sunday off but I have decided to keep the momentum going and he will have another canter tomorrow.

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

For more information, check out the Betfair column in full >

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