Kauto Star remains on course for the 2011 Punchestown Gold Cup. (credit: CharlesFred)
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Kauto Star remains on course for a tilt at the Punchestown Gold Cup on May 4 after his brave third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month.
Paul Nicholls’ legendary chaser battled to a place behind Long Run and Denman at Prestbury Park and turned back the clock with a performance of some quality under the hands of Ruby Walsh.
After winning the Gold Cup on two occasions, the King George VI Chase a remarkable four times and a number of other Grade Ones along the way, Kauto Star will now be aimed at his first victory in the Punchestown Gold Cup, so long as the ground doesn’t end up being too firm.
Owner Clive Smith explained: "We're still aiming for Punchestown and we're just hoping the ground doesn't get too firm.
"I'm sure they'll make sure it's good to soft, or something hopefully near that, as that would suit him well.
"Three miles will suit him well. At three miles in the Gold Cup he was right there but then up the hill, Long Run and his younger legs came past him.
"It would be a great way to round off the season if he could win in Ireland. Any decisions on his future will be made after that."
