Racing:Paul Nicholls believes Kauto Star deserves to be sent off a short-priced favourite in tomorrow's Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The Clive Smith-owned seven-year-old is unbeaten in five starts this season, with three of those victories coming at the highest level ranging from two miles to three.
"He's such a short price for the Gold Cup but that is down to him. He has now won five on the bounce including a Betfair Chase, a Tingle Creek and a King George," said Nicholls.
"Despite all the talk, he is a good jumper. He is just clumsy at one or two and he hasn't fallen since the Champion Chase last year.
"I've been delighted that the ground has dried up all week as any doubts we had about his stamina have now gone. He certainly wouldn't have wanted a bog.
"When he hit the last at Newbury in the Aon it gave L'Ami a chance but he still couldn't get past him and we were giving him 10lb that day.
"When Ruby (Walsh) got off him that day he said 'at least we know he can battle and stay now'.
"He's in really good form with himself at home and I couldn't be more pleased with him."
Kauto Star will come up against a talented field tomorrow, which includes the Michael Hourigan trained Beef or Salmon and Jonjo O'Neill's Exotic Dancer, the second favourite at around 4-1.
Also in the field is last year's third placed horse Forget the Past at 25-1 and The Listener at 9-1.