Kauto the Star at Haydock

All eyes today will be on Kauto Star (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) as he begins his 2009-2010 campaign in the Betfair Chase at 15.55 over 3 miles at Haydock. The best chaser for many years, he has won 14 races, including this one twice (although he famously fell at the last a year ago), the Gold Cup twice and the King George 3 times. On ratings he has nothing to fear, having 17lbs at least in hand of his 7 opponents. Howeever he is no certainty to win today, as the Nicholls stable is not yet really firing on all fronts, and Master Minded in the same colours went down to an odds-on defeat last week. Irish raider Notre Pere (Jim Dreaper/ Andrew Lynch) has been heavily backed to beat him, although he too fell last time. However he is expected to cope better with the heavy ground. The ground should be against the chances of Madison du Berlais (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) and Imperial Commander (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan), but heavy going holds no fears for Halcon Genelard ais (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), who however finished miles behind Kauto Star at Cheltenham. Logically, Kauto Star should win this easily, but we would not want to back him at less than evens. The main supporting feature is the valuable handicap hurdle over 3 miles 1 furlong at 15.20. Top-weight Diamond Harry (Nick Williams/ Timmy Murphy) is the class act here, winning his first 6 races in excellent style before running an excellent third at Cheltenham, but he has a huge weight. Burton Port (Nicky Henderson/ Walsh) looks a big danger, having win over fences recently while the two German-breds Wendel (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) and Lysander (Ian Williams/ Michael Murphy) both have a chance - especially the latter, whose stamina is proven in a race where several runners my be found out by the distance.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Any Given Day - Pepe Simo - Quatro Pierji
2. Race: Calatagan - Sa Suffit - Tidal Fury
3. Race: Mr Thriller - Starluck - Thumbs Up
4. Race: Sure Josie Sure - Fiddlers Reel - Vicarage Lane
5. Race: Diamond Harry - Burton Port - Pause And Clause
6. Race: Kauto Star - Notre Pere - Madison Du Berlais
7. Race: The Vicar - Shining Gale - Kia Kaha