King all set for Punchestown
Tom Taaffe and Barry Geraghty expressed their delight at the form of Kicking King ahead of the Daily Star Chase at Punchestown tomorrow.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup hero will line up against five rivals for the Listed event as the seven-year-old moves up the gears ahead of his defence of the Festival highlight next March.
The Old Vic gelding was last seen winning the Guinness Gold Cup at the Punchestown Festival in April when he had three lengths to spare from runner-up Rule Supreme.
“We are happy with him and we are happy with the way he is,” said the County Kildare handler.
“He’s had a great summer and filled out his frame more than ever before.
“The problem with training horses like him is just getting him on to the launch pad because the plan is pretty much laid out for you.”
Taaffe insisted the ground at Punchestown, which is currently riding good, good to yielding in places, would not be detrimental to the seven-year-old’s chances of success.
And if all goes to plan in the two mile, six-furlong contest, Taaffe’s star will head for the Betfair Cup at Haydock on November 19 followed by a tilt at the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day – a race Kicking King won last year.
“I don’t see why the ground at Punchestown would be a problem,” he added.
“We are happy with the track and Punchestown will help blow away the cobwebs.
“In this game you cross every bridge when you come to them and I can’t say any more other than we are happy with everything.”
Geraghty shared Taaffe’s optimism and has already set his sights on a successful defence of the Gold Cup.
Despite being all but ruled of the race with an infection three weeks prior to his 2004 triumph, Kicking King emphatically justified favouritism with a five-length success from Take The Stand.
And ominously for his rivals, Geraghty warned there could be more to come from him this term.
“He’s in great form, the horse has matured well and he’s fit and well,” the Irish jockey told At The Races.
“I was with him last week and he felt good. I rode him the previous week and we did a bit over two miles.
“He improved from his novice season to his last season – probably even more than I expected myself. I’m sure there’s possibly even more in him because he’s improved again.
“Hopefully if things go right all year we will be there as favourite for the Gold Cup next year and there will be no excuses.
“If he’s as good as last year we’ll be okay.”
2004 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle runner-up War Of Attrition heads the list of possibles hoping to cause a major upset.
Mouse Morris’ six-year-old was disappointing in the Arkle at Cheltenham in 2004 but is back in business after an encouraging run at Aintree was followed up with victory in the Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase at Punchestown in April.
“It’s early days so he will certainly come on a fair bit for the run,” the County Tipperary handler told www.mousemorris.com.
“At this stage we’re looking at the two-mile, six-furlong Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival as a potential long-term target as his owner is sponsoring that race for the first time next March.”
Hi Cloy, Pizarro, Splendour and the Charlie Swan-trained Strong Project complete the field.
Daily Star Chase betting:
Cashmans: 1-3 Kicking King, 5-1 War Of Attrition, 10-1 Pizarro, Hi Cloy, 16-1 Strong Project, 100-1 Splendour.
Paddy Power: 2-5 Kicking King, 7-2 War Of Attrition, 7-1 Pizarro, 14-1 Hi Cloy, 25-1 Strong Project, 100-1 Splendour.
