Kauto Star “heading in the right direction” for Cheltenham

Kauto Star is reportedly making progress in the run up to the Gold Cup next week (16 March).

Last week trainer Paul Nicholls announced the horse was only a “50-50” chance to take part in the race, after a “terrible fall” at home.

But the trainer was more positive this week.

“Nothing major to report today but we are, thankfully, still heading in the right direction,” he said in his Betfair column today (Wednesday 7 March).

“He once again had his physio and his hour on the walker. And then he had a half-speed 10f canter with Big Buck’s and then a canter up the hill with him, too.

“Clifford [Baker, Nicholls’ head lad and Kauto’s work rider] is still smiling and at one point I thought he was going to do Kauto’s box roll for him!”

He is set to gallop after racing at Wincanton on Friday (9 March).

“If he does come through that ok, we will look to school him on Monday morning. But I must stress that it is one step at a time, and it is important that people don’t get carried away,” he added.

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