Cheltenham Gold Cup odds open up after Kauto Star scare
Published:Long Run is now 1/1 in the Cheltenham Gold Cup odds and Grands Crus may be more likely to take part following the news that Kauto Star is now a big doubt to take part.
Paul Nicholls has revealed that Kauto Star took a relatively heavy fall while schooling at home last week and it is unclear as to whether the two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner will be fit enough to go for the hat-trick.
Nicholls added that the problem was only minor and the horse was generally a bit stiff with some bruising.
The general consensus is that Kauto Star will run as he is completing his typical work at home, but that has not stopped him drifting from 5/2 to 4/1 to claim victory.
Meanwhile, Long Run has been cut from 9/4.
Another big development that may come from the news revolves around the entry of Grands Crus, with Martin Pipe still deciding on which Festival race to run his charge in.
Grands Crus remains 5/4 to win the RSA Chase, but the news that Kauto Star may not be at 100 per cent if he does take part in the Cheltenham Gold Cup must provide a temptation to challenge the novice against the senior jumpers instead.
It is now 6/1 from 7/1 that Grands Crus wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup and betting with Ladbrokes means that punters can take advantage of a non runner money back concession should he tackle the RSA Chase instead.
The same offer applies to Kauto Star for punters believing this could be a bit of a rouse and feel that he will arrive at Cheltenham in tip-top shape.
Other changes to the Cheltenham Gold Cup odds are that Burton Port has shortened marginally from 8/1 to 7/1, while punters to have previously taken the 20/1 on Weird Al will be rubbing their hands as he is now 14/1.
