Awesome Kauto in the form of his life - Nicholls

PAUL NICHOLLS believes Kauto Star is "in the form of his life" after the 11-year-old created history by winning a fifth William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Monday.

Kauto Star snatched back the King George from Long Run, who had comprehensively beaten him in the rescheduled 2010 running in January, to become the first horse to win the race five times.

It was the second time the Clive Smith-owned superstar has defeated his younger rival this season, having also beaten him in the Betfair Chase at Haydock.

Nicholls said: "He was fantastic, right back to the top of his game. He's now won two races this year and both times has beaten the reigning champion Long Run. Long Run is six and Kauto is 11 - it was just awesome by the horse.

"He's had some great races, don't forget Kauto Star has had lots of battles with Denman and Imperial Commander, but he seems in the form of his life at the moment."

Kauto Star's two wins this season have been in stark contrast to his runs last season, when aftera laboured victory at Down Royal he was eclipsed at Kempton, Cheltenham and Punchestown.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Nicholls said: "He's not sustained any injuries but he did have a hard fall in the Gold Cup two years ago, whether it took him 12 months to get over, that might be the reason.

"The way he has been training this autumn has been second to none. He was belowpar last year, I don't know why, but he seems to be a horse at the top of his game at the age of 11."

Kauto Star's stablemate Master Minded was pulled-up in the King George after injuring a tendon.

He was taken to Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons in Newmarket after the race and Nicholls tweeted on Tuesday morning: "Master minded had surgery last eve onvery nasty injury. Comfortable this morning. Career-threatening but hopefully not life-threatening. Will keep all updated daily."