Nicholls cautious about beating Long Run again

PAUL NICHOLLS is "confident, but not that confident," that Kauto Star can defeat Long Run for the second time this season when the pair meet in the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton this afternoon.

Kauto Star, who sensationally defeated Long Run by eight lengths in the Betfair Chase at Haydock last month, is second favourite at 3-1 behind Long Run, and Nicholls is expecting a tough rematch.

Speaking in his Betfair column, he said: "I was moreconfident of Kauto Star beating Long Run in the Betfair Chase, than I am of my horse confirming the Haydock form in the King George today."

Nicholls, who reports the 11-year-old to be in fine form, is aware that Long Run has age on his side, is entitled to come on from Haydock and beat Kauto Star by 19 lengths in last year's King George.

He added: "History and common sense dictate whenever you gear a horse up to be at his absolute peak on one day, then it is asking a lot of them to repeat the feat just five weeks later. Especially in the highest class."

Nicholls also has Master Minded in the race, with the eight-year-old trying the 3m trip for the first time. The champion trainer feels the dual Champion Chase winner has been overlooked slightly and could be a "forgotten horse."

He said: "He has been trained for this race, and this race only, since he came back to training in July. Master Minded is a dual Champion Chase winner but he is not a two miler stepping up to three miles here. He is now a two and a half mile horse, who I think has every chance of staying three miles."