Kauto Star - can make winning return.

By Simon Holt

Sky Bet's Odds Compare All Prices

BETTING BOX
FIXED ODDS
	2pts on Kauto Star at best morning price in 2.55 Haydock.	Can confirm status as best staying chaser in the land.

Kauto Star makes his seasonal reappearance in Saturday's Betfair Chase, a race he has won twice before.

He was very impressive on the first day in beating Beef Or Salmon but struggled a little to see off Exotic Dancer the next time. He then looked to be in a spot of bother last year when unseating Sam Thomas at the final fence.

It's hard to say if he was going to win or not but it would have been hard work. That was his second run of the campaign though and could have been a bit too soon after his seasonal reappearance and we are discovering Kauto Star is at his absolute brilliant best when fresh.

I've been surprised by the lack of confidence in the betting market behind him for this race. After all he's won two Cheltenham Gold Cups, three King George's and is by some way the best long-distance chaser in training.

He's a brilliant horse with the perfect blend of speed and stamina, plus courage which is what he'll need in the ground here.

All things being considered Kauto Star will take the world of beating en-route to Kempton on Boxing Day.

There's been a lot of money of late for last year's Welsh National winner Notre Pere who also went on to win at Punchestown. He fell at Down Royal last time when right alongside The Listener.

He's usually a very sure-footed jumper and will relish the ground on Saturday but whether he's good enough to beat Kauto Star is another thing. At current odds the favourite makes much more appeal.

Halcon Genelardais is another slogger who will find conditions in his favour at Haydock but to be honest he's just a very good stayer who has it all to do against an on-song Kauto Star.

A bigger threat may be Madison Du Berlais even though he was almost lapped by Kauto Star in the Gold Cup. Cheltenham is clearly not the ideal track for David Pipe's charge but that said he too has it to do on ratings and the form book.

Imperial Commander is a fascinating runner having landed the Paddy Power Gold Cup and Ryanair Chase last year. However he was well beaten by Kauto Star in the King George and seems better at trips shorter than three miles.

I can't give a chance to the rest and I hope - and expect - to celebrate another Kauto Star win on Saturday afternoon.