HORSE RACING:DUAL CHELTENHAM Gold Cup hero Kauto Star will face eight rivals on his reappearance in the Betfair Chase at Haydock tomorrow.

Paul Nicholls’ nine-year-old won the Grade One prize in 2006 and 2007 but unseated Sam Thomas at the final fence in last season’s renewal.

Jim Dreaper’s raider Notre Pere needs to bounce back having fallen on his return to action at Down Royal, while Imperial Commander and Madison Du Berlais are the main threats to Kauto Star from the home team.

Nicholls has a second string to his bow in Nozic, while Halcon Genelardais, Rambling Minster, Seymour Weld and The Sawyer complete the line-up.

Dreaper admits his charge Notre Pere does not have the natural speed of Kauto Star, but is hoping the likely testing conditions will turn things in his favour. “He had a school earlier in the week, which went fine, and as far as we can see, he’s none the worse for his fall at Down Royal,” Dreaper said.

“He would go on any ground except firm or good to firm but because of his lack of real pace, and I’m talking about Kauto Star pace, he’s more effective when it becomes difficult for the others.”

Edward O’Grady is considering switching Catch Me back to the smaller obstacles for the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday week.

The seven-year-old, winner of the race 12 months ago, has been campaigned over fences so far this season, making a winning introduction at Cork before failing to complete in a Listed event at Navan. O’Grady now needs to decide whether to let his charge have another go over the larger obstacles or go back over timber.

“He’s fine and we will certainly have to look at the Hatton’s Grace,” said the Co Tipperary handler.