Free rein for Gold Cup jockeys
- 00:01:38
- ITN
Free rein for Gold Cup jockeys
Trainer Paul Nicholls has told his jockeys they can decide on the tactics for the Cheltenham Gold Cup showdown between Kauto Star and Denman.Ruby Walsh will ride the defending champion Kauto Star while Sam Thomas will be on board Denman and they are expected to reach the bottom of the Prestbury Park hill side-by-side, setting up a thrilling finish.The horses spend their time on the gallops together and they sleep next door to each other in stables one and two at Nicholls's yard in Somerset.Nicholls said: "I'm just going to let the boys ride them how they find as there should be plenty of pace in the race, there always is. I'm just going to let them ride them as they see best."Obviously we're feeling plenty of pressure, but it's a high-pressure week anyway and we're just looking forward to it happening now."Their prep runs have gone really well. Both are in fine form ahead of the race."Denman's co-owner Harry Findlay believes the dry weather at Cheltenham will affect the race.Findlay said: "These are two completely different horses with two completely different ways of running."Denman won't go off favourite or even joint-favourite now the weather has changed."Early in the week I would have laid Kauto Star with the rain that was forecast, but now it is dry I would back him at his price. However, even on this ground I think Kauto Star might not stay."If Kauto does go past, Denman will still want it and the race won't be a damp squib. What everyone wants to happen will happen and if Kauto goes past he will win, or we will break his heart."If Kauto Star wins, his connections stand to claim a £1 million windfall for the second season running.The bookmaker Betfair offers the bonus to any horse that wins the Betfair Chase, King George VI Chase and the Gold Cup in a single season.Kauto Star won all three races last season and has already won the first two legs this season.Kauto Star's owner Clive Smith said: "I have had a little bet on him, but with the Betfair Million bonus I don't need to have too much on as I think he will win it again."With very little rain forecast I think the ground will be perfect for us so he is worth a little bet."If we don't win then it would be great if Harry and Paul can win with Denman."© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.
ITN | March 14, 2008
