Smith: Kauto ready to star again at Cheltenham

Owner Clive Smith is confident that Kauto Star can make history and become the first Cheltenham Gold Cup winner to land the title in non-consecutive years.

Thirty eight runners were entered at today's declaration stage including last year's first three Denman, Kauto Star and Neptunes Collonges and any other owner that wants their horse to run in steeplechasing's blue riband event on 13 March will have to pay £25,000 at the supplementary entry stage on 7 March.

Paul Nicholls sent out the first three last March and the trainer has entered eight today, but Smith believes Kauto Star can turn the tables on last year's winner Denman.

Smith, who was "ecstatic" with Kauto Star's third King George VI Chase victory at Kempton on Boxing Day, said: "We have to make sure that he is spot on for Cheltenham and keeping him fresh for March seems the best way forward.

"If we get the right going, we have every chance of beating Denman. I like to think of it as home and away. It was like a home fixture for Denman last season because he got his favoured ground, while Kauto Star couldn't get going in it."

The likes of Easter Hero, Golden Miller, Cottage Rake, Arkle, L'Escargot and Best Mate have won successive Gold Cups but none has regained the crown.