Kauto Star at Down Royal

Kauto Star (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) makes his debut for the new season in the jwines Champion Chase, a 3 mile race at 15.25 CET this afternoon at Down Royal in N. Ireland. The dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner won this in 2008 and in theory should win easily again. However we think that an each-way bet on China Rock (Mouse Morris/ Barry Geraghty) may be a decent alternative, as he has a clear fitness advantage and holds Sizing Europe (Harry de Bromhead ( Andrew Lynch) on their latest running. Nicholls and Walsh also have The Nightingale running in the Grade Two Ladbrokes Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 16.00, but here we prefer Pandorama (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Falcon Island - Monastrell - Baily Green
2. Race: Golan Guy - Fool`s Wildcat - Lead Kindly Light
3. Race: Doctor Deejay - Asigh Pearl - Natal
4. Race: Kauto Star - Sizing Europe - China Rock
5. Race: Pandorama - The Nightingale - Osana
6. Race: Corrick Bridge - South Liberties - Sang Bleu
7. Race: Serein - Sobrando Lodge - Soul Of Aran