THOMAS RELISHING KAUTO CHANCE
Thomas wins on Kauto Star last year. THOMAS RELISHING KAUTO CHANCE
Sam Thomas is ready to fill the role of super-sub yet again as Ruby Walsh recovers from having his spleen removed - starting with Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.
Thomas stepped into the breach at exactly the same time 12 months ago on Paul Nicholls’ stable of superstars when Walsh dislocated his shoulder at the same Cheltenham meeting.
There were no dramas for Thomas and Kauto Star in the corresponding race last year though as they held off Exotic Dancer - who reopposes at the weekend - by half a length.
As well as riding the former Gold Cup winner, Thomas may be required to ride Queen Mother Champion Chase hero Master Minded in the Tingle Creek on December 6, depending on the speed of Walsh’s recovery.
“You wouldn’t wish an injury on anybody, but I’m in a position that means if ever anything does go wrong with Ruby I can step in for some very nice rides,” said Thomas
“I’m obviously looking forward to Kauto Star this weekend and the Becher Chase (Aintree on Sunday) although I’m not sure what I’ll be riding in that yet.
“There’s also the possibility that I’ll be riding Master Minded in the Tingle Creek.
“I’ve been riding them both at home when I go down for schooling sessions.
“Kauto was very impressive at Down Royal but he was entitled to win like that really and he did everything that was asked of him, he jumped very well as the ground would have been a bit too soft for him,” he told At The Races.
Also in opposition is last year’s beaten Grand National favourite Cloudy Lane, but trainer Donald McCain is well aware of the task his eight-year-old faces against some of the best chasers in training.
He finished ninth in the Old Roan Chase on his first start this season and is expected to strip much fitter at the weekend.
“It was his first run back after the National and he was a bit slow over the first few fences, understandably so, and he was always chasing it from there,” said McCain.
“He came back fresh and well though and seems in good order.
“We were taking on some top-class two milers last time so it was no disgrace but he stayed on and did some nice late work.
“It’s going to be fairly difficult to place him this year but if we are ever going to take on the big boys Haydock is the place to do it - it’s just down the road, he’s won plenty of races there and he seems in good order.
“It was nice of the handicapper to drop him 1lb. That will make a huge difference to his career!
“We were going to go to the Hennessy with him if Denman had run as he’d have had a nice weight but without Denman he’d have nearly had top-weight.
“As daft as it sounds taking on these horses we thought he might just have less of a hard race in a small field.
“It’s currently good to soft, good in places at Haydock which would be perfect for him.”
Latest betting from Stan James: Betfair Chase; 2-5 Kauto Star, 100-30 Exotic Dancer, 16-1 Tamarinbleu, 20-1 Cloudy Lane, 25-1 Gungadu, Ollie Magern, 33-1 Snoopy Loopy.
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