Is the Kauto Star and Denman National Hunt Era Over?

On perusal of the antepost betting markets for the King George Vl Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup it becomes obvious to note that the formidable two prong chasing attack of champion trainer, Paul Nicholls, comprising Kauto Star and Denman is no longer an axis to be feared; with many more trainers this year prepared to take on the two wonder horses. The two markets look remarkably similar in that they carry virtually the same entries, but there is a big difference in prices.

Quite rightly, Kauto is the favourite or co-favourite to win both races, particularly the King George Chase where he will be looking to break all records when winning for a fifth consecutive time and what genuine racing fan would wish him failure in that particular quest? However, such was his defeat in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March, that those trainers who have been developing the talents of their successful younger chasers may feel the time is right to test them at highest level.

Even Nicholls himself may feel that this is the right year to bring forward the chasing claims of some of his brightest stars, such as dual World Hurdle Champion, Big Bucks and Totesport Bowl winner, What a Friend. These two seven year olds are both included in the higher echelons of the Cheltenham Gold Cup market, although only What a Friend is in the King George at this stage.

Probably the biggest rival to Nicholls supremacy in the training stakes is Nicky Henderson and he has two outstanding challengers for the two principle chasing crowns this season. Firstly there is the brilliant Long Run, who fluffed his lines a little when third in the RSA Chase at the Festival in March, but who before that had won two Grade Ones by huge margins. Aged only five, this French bred has time on his side of course but he has already been installed as the second favourite for the King George and is in the top six for the Gold Cup.

Henderson has gone on the record and said that he believed that Long Run is the better than his other potential chasing star, Punchestowns, who had finished behind Long Run in the same RSA Chase. However, Punchestowns who had finished a close second to Big Bucks in the 2009 World Hurdle will be a big improver this season and should not be discounted and he is also high in the betting for both markets.

Albertas Run who finished last season in fantastic form, winning the Ryanair at the Cheltenham Festival and the Melling Chase at Liverpool three weeks later is one for sure to follow this season. Trainer, Jonjo O’Neill will remember that the 9 year old ran with great credit when second to Kauto Star in the 2008 King George and although he was well beaten as he was again last season when he finished sixth, has improved and has the potential to be a late developing champion.

Other Grade One winners who are featuring prominently in the betting for both races are the Phillip Hobbs trained, Planet Of Sound, Cooldine, trained by Willie Mullins, Forpadydaplasterer another top class Irish challenger, trained by Tom Cooper, plus Joncol winner of the Hennessey Gold Cup.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of reigning Gold Cup champion, Imperial Commander has recently been heard to say that his nine year old has improved over the summer and will be better than ever this season. If that is the case and Kauto Star and Denman have gone backwards as is widely believed, then the stage will be set for a huge battle for chasing supremacy, making this national Hunt season, the best for many a long year.

Imperial Commander of course won the Gold Cup at Cheltenham last season, defeating a very game Denman, who had won the race in 2008, in the process after dual Gold Cup winner, Kauto Star had fallen. In winning he effectively ended the Kauto Star v Denman hype but at the same time raised the questions of whether he can do it again and if there are others out there who can emulate him. This is just one of many questions which remains unanswered as the National Hunt season gets under way in the UK and Ireland and whilst it won't be until March until we find out the answer, there is sure to be plenty of excitement en route!