KAUTO STAR is one of those elite National Hunt horses who has the - speed, stamina and a spring-heeled jumping ability with which only the chosen few are blessed.

Twelve months ago the immensely versatile and classy gelding took Sandown's valuable two-mile Tingle Creek Chase with some aplomb, a feat he bids to repeat this afternoon.

At first glance there's nothing remarkable about attempting back-to-back wins, however, when you consider Kauto Star (2.35) routed a field of top-class chasers over three miles at Haydock last time, the true measure of his talent takes on a different perspective.

Trainer Paul Nicholls didn't take long to decide reverting in trip was the right thing to do. "There were no other suitable races between now and the King George (Boxing Day). He needed a gallop so we might as well come here," reasoned Nicholls.

The main danger to Kauto Star's supremacy should, theoretically, emerge from Alan King's Voy Por Ustedes, the clear-cut hero of last season's Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival, a contest in which, among others, he lowered Monet Garden's colours.

King's five-year-old represents the real deal over two miles, which means no quarter will be asked or given between riders Robert Thornton and Ruby Walsh in what promises to be a breath-taking clash of the titans.

The supporting card to the Tingle Creek is also a treat with the William Hill Handicap Hurdle set to supply more thrills and spills in another fast and furious two-miler, this time over the smaller obstacles.

Such coveted prizes often end up in the clutches of messrs Pipe or Henderson, although on this occasion they could be thwarted by the much smaller stable of Lucy Wadham, courtesy of Sunday's facile Fontwell winner, Fenix.

Fenix (3.10), formerly runner-up to Medison in the Imperial Cup, reserves all of his best form for the Esher venue, an indisputable fact which means he simply must be supported on an each-way basis at a course where he generally excels.

The curtain comes down on a cracking card via the Marathon Chase, a lung-buster perfect for Tribal Dancer (3.40) to bring his best bib and tucker to the table.

The Philip Hobbs-trained grey stays longer than the mother-in-law and according to my speed figures still has about 7lbs in hand on his top 2005 rating, a stat which suggests he's very well in at the weights.

Hobbs might also be in the thick of things at Chepstow, where Dancing Rock (1.45) is bound to be a popular choice with punters for the Totesport Handicap Hurdle.

Dancing Rock, under a typically enterprising effort from Tom O'Brien, tried to gallop his rivals into submission on his Market Rasen reappearance, leading all the way until collared at the final flight.

O'Brien's take-no-prisoners style suits the game eight-year-old, who doubtless will have the kitchen sink thrown at him by a fearless jockey guaranteed to give full value for money every time he gets the leg up.

At a much bigger starting price, Surefast (3.20) is worthy of a second look to try to provide an early Christmas shopping bonus in the Betting Handicap Chase.

Two years ago Surefast was cleaning up in the west country but, as so often happens, injury intervened, restricting his racecourse visits to the bare minimum. He does, however, go well fresh, therefore cannot be discounted off a favorable rating.

Anyone with their metaphorical betting hat still in the ring for Wolverhampton's penultimate event, the Ed Weetman Handicap, deserves a medal for sheer doggedness.

The answer to the near ten-furlong teaser might be Tous Les Deux (9.00), who foiled a spectacular midweek gamble on Snowy (7s to 9-4) by producing a silky-smooth late charge to nail the latter in the dying strides.