DENMAN V KAUTO
Kauto Star v Denman clash is on for 2010
THE clash that every racing fan is looking forward to is still on after today’s entries for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in which Kauto Star and Denman were both among the 27 horses going forward.
Kauto Star is a warm 5-4 favourite with Paddy after his demolition job in the King George, while Hennessy hero Denman is available at 2-1 with the galaxy’s friendliest bookie and punters can have 16-1 the rest.
Paddy Power himself said: “With Denman theoretically having just one rival to beat, perhaps the 2-1 is the real value in our market. But much as the sport would love to have a battle royale between Denman and Kauto up the famous Cheltenham hill, racing doesn’t always go to plan and at 16-1 bar, there could and must be a tremendous each-way bet lurking in the wings.”
Cheltenham Gold Cup (after today’s entries)
Paddy Power bets: 5-4 Kauto Star, 2 Denman, 16 Cooldine, Imperial Commander, 20 What A Friend, 33 Notre Pere, Money Trix, 40 Carruthers, Madison Du Berlais, Tricky Trickster, 50 Albertas Run, Glencove Marina, Rare Bob, 66 bar
Meanwhile Paddy, who is world-renowned for his unique special bets, has also chalked up who the lucky jockey to ride Denman will be with Tony McCoy, who is a fair rider, 2-5 favourite to get the leg up from Paul Nicholls
Denman’s Gold Cup Jockey
Paddy Power bets: 2-5 Tony McCoy, 4 Sam Thomas, 5 Ruby Walsh, 20 Christian Williams. Others on request.
Kauto Star could bid to join an elite list of three-time totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup winners on March 19.
Paul Nicholls’ outstanding chaser is one of 27 entries for the blue riband event, which is the smallest number in recent years.
Nicholls has six possibles at this stage, with 2008 Gold Cup winner Denman likely to prove the strongest opposition to Kauto Star, who will be aiming to emulate the likes of Arkle, Golden Miller, Cottage Rake and Best Mate.
