Kauto Star best Kempton bet
Published:Kauto Star may be a short price in the King George betting to take victory at 4/6, but with his main rivals having so many question marks held over them, this may be a fair reflection of his chances of making history.
A victory for Kauto Star would make him the first ever five-time winner of the King George and one thing in his favour is his proven love of Kempton.
He has won on all four of his previous starts at the course and has always triumphed by a minimum of eight lengths.
Perhaps more importantly is that he is considered to be a long way ahead of his opposition in the Timeform ratings, with his nearest challenger believed to be 22lbs worse off at the weights.
The big point raised by punters is that Kauto Star is now an 11-year-old and past his best, but this did not seem too much of a hindrance on his only start this season at Down Royal.
Kauto Star should come on for that run and the victory did not come against second-rate opposition, as back in second was last year’s Cheltenham Festival Arkle winner Sizing Europe.
The other big factor that could decide the King George is the underfoot conditions, with the suspected soft ground liable to be damaging to those who already had doubts over their stamina.
Long Run is 6/1 in the King George betting, but may have struggled to see out three miles on good ground, while Forpadydeplasterer is another who may have difficulty seeing out the trip.
Nacarat and Riverside Theatre are others who would prefer firmer ground, but the conditions should pose no problems to Kauto Star.
Bearing all things in mind, his big challenge could come from stablemate The Nightingale, who is at his best on a right-handed track and will love the ground.
The Nightingale is 10/1 to win the King George for Paul Nicholls, but will need to significantly step up in class to do so.
A £25 bet on Planet Of Sound winning the King George could see a return of £400. New Ladbrokes customers can sign up here for a free £25 bet.
