Racing: Conditions look like being testing at Haydock on Saturday when Kauto Star makes his fourth successive appearance in the Betfair Chase. The going is already described as soft at the Merseyside track after rain over the weekend - and more is forecast during the week.
"We've had something like 17 millimetres of rain over the weekend," said clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright. "The forecast is wet. There's rain most days, particularly Thursday and Saturday.
"I don't think it will have any effect in spoiling the event. We can take what's forecast and I would hope that it will not cause any defectors.
"You've got to assume the going will be soft at the weekend."
Kauto Star took this prize in 2006 and 2007, but unseated Sam Thomas at the final fence when going for the hat-trick 12 months ago.
He was among 13 to stand their ground at the five-day stage and trainer Paul Nicholls has confirmed the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero a definite runner.
"Kauto Star is going to go there, I just stuck the other horse (Nozic) in just in case the race cut up to four or five runners. I'd say it was more likely he would run in the Becher Chase (at Aintree on Sunday)," said the Ditcheat handler.
The forecast of soft ground will cheer connections of the sole Irish possible Notre Pere.
Last season's Welsh National and Punchestown Gold Cup scorer fell in the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal on his return earlier this month.
"Notre Pere is a possible runner for the Betfair Chase, as things stand. He came out his fall at Down Royal fine and it was just one of those things that can happen in racing," said Dreaper.
"We will do a more serious schooling session on Tuesday - his jumping seems to be fine - and we will delay a final decision until after that.
"At the moment, there is a good chance that he will come over to Haydock Park, especially if the ground is soft.
"I wouldn't be concerned about taking on Kauto Star - we need to get Notre Pere running after that blip the other day."
Connections of Madison Du Berlais, winner of the Hennessy Gold Cup and totesport Bowl, are also not afraid of taking on Kauto Star.
"Speaking to his owners over the weekend, we are probably leaning more towards the Betfair (rather than the Hennessy)," said trainer David Pipe.
"I'm sure it will be a top-class race. Kauto Star is the one to beat and Notre Pere will love the conditions, as will Madison Du Berlais.
"He's in great form, is still eight years old and looks very well.
"The plan is to go to the King George. As for beating Kauto Star, I don't know, but every horse is beatable," Pipe told At The Races.
However, Alan King will only run Halcon Genelardais if there are just a handful of runners.
"Halcon is entered up at Haydock but he'll only go if the race cuts up to no runners," said the Barbury Castle trainer.
"If there are four or five, I'll probably send him there, otherwise we will wait a week and go for the Hennessy."