Nicholls predicts a tight Cheltenham battle (From The Northern Echo)

Nicholls predicts a tight Cheltenham battle

12:31pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Horse Racing News

PAUL Nicholls believes there will be little to choose between old rivals Kauto Star and Long Run as the pair prepare to lock horns for a fifth time in next month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Long Run was victorious in both the Gold Cup and the King George VI Chase last season, and it seemed Nicky Henderson’s star stayer had the measure of the legendary Kauto Star, who is five years older.

But the 12-year-old Kauto Star has come back seemingly as good as ever, putting Long Run in his place in the Betfair Chase at Haydock before coming out on top again and securing an historic fifth King George win on Boxing Day.

With the scores at two each, the stage is set for another mouthwatering meeting at Prestbury Park on March 16.

‘‘If Kauto was four years younger, then he would be favourite, but I suppose people think Long Run will be better suited to Cheltenham and he is the champion after all,’’ Nicholls said. ‘‘Without a doubt, Kauto is better than last season, and it is difficult to know whether Long Run has improved since last year, so it should bring them closer together.’’ Kauto Star is already the first horse in history to regain the Gold Cup crown, and he now bids to repeat the feat and win the race for a third time.

The champion trainers feels the fact that his great rival and stablemate Denman is now retired could be key.

‘‘Not having Denman in the race will also help, as he would harry and pressurise him (Kauto Star) at the top of the hill,’’ Nicholls continued.

‘‘The quicker they go the better early on, but then it’s just a case of getting a breather in, and Kauto never had that chance with Denman up his backside.

‘‘Last year, he wasn’t quite finishing, but if we can get him a bit fitter, he should finish better up the hill.’’