William Hill have reopened betting in the clash of the century, with news that all appears well with Kauto Star.
Hills now make the defending champion a 10-11 chance to repeat his win, having been 8-13 after his Commercial Ascot Chase win yesterday. Stablemate Denman now rates as a 6-4 chance (from 7-4) to steal the most coveted prize in jump racing.
The Leeds firm suspended betting at around 6pm last night, as rumours circulated that Kauto Star’s chance of defending his title was in serious doubt.
Kate Miller, Spokeswoman for Hills, said: ‘’It’s a huge relief to wake up this morning, and read that all appears to be well with the world. The Kauto/Denman clash has been one of the most eagerly anticipated battles since Ali fought Frazier. Although the news appears to be 100% positive, we’ve eased out Kauto slightly, as events like this can hugely influence confidence in the market. We’ll be keeping a close eye on things, but it will ultimately be up to the punters to decide who they think should start favourite now.’’
Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup: 10-11 Kauto Star, 6-4 Denman, 12-1 Exotic Dancer, 20-1 Kicking King, The Listener, 25-1 Star de Mohaison, 33-1 Mossbank (Doubtful), Neptune Collonges, Snowy Morning (Doubtful), 50-1 Halcon Genelardais, Knowhere, Racing Demon, Turpin Green, 66-1 Another PromiseState of Play, Turko, 100-1 Celestial Gold, Gungadu, Hedgehunter, L'Antartique, Monkerhostin, Ollie Magern, 150-1 Alexander Taipan, Billyvoddan, 200-1 Chelsea Harbour, Fundamentalist, Iron Man, Milan Deux Mille, Rule Supreme, 500-1 Frustrien Du Paon, 1000-1 Azulejo, Contraband, Majadal, (ALL QUOTED E/W ¼ 1,2,3)]