Kicking King Spectacular Return
Kicking King returning from a 759-day absence in the Normans Grove Chase was nothing more than spectacular. It was Kicking King's first appearance since winning his second King George run at Sandown in December 2005 after an enforced absence with a tendon injury to his left foreleg. In the race less than a length separated the trio approaching the straight and he was still holding every chance until a bad mistake two out caused him to lose valuable momentum. To his credit, the ten-year-old collared Newmill after the last before the favourite seized the initiative and connections were understandably well pleased with this gallant effort after such a lengthy absence. Next on the agenda is The Red Mills Chase in February.Tom Taaffe his trainer said afterwards: "It's all about getting to March 14." His rider Barry Geraghty said his ring rusty mount blew up five out and expects a huge amount of improvement. Following this great performance by Kicking King in his first run since the 2005 King George, sponsors, totesport has cut him from 25/1 to 16/1 for the Gold Cup. He is also the new 9/2 favourite in the firms betting without the top three.
Paul Petrie, totesport spokesman commented, “After being off the track for 759 days it was a terrific performance and proves he hasn’t lost his old magic. Hopefully, he will be come out of the race in good shape and perhaps the first three home this year isn’t as predictable as we thought.”
totesport Gold Cup
3m2½f Cheltenham Friday March 14th
11-10 Kauto Star, 7-4 Denman, 10 Exotic Dancer, 16 Kicking King (from 25) 25, Star De Mohaison, Tamarinbleu 33 Mossbank, Snowy Morning, The Listener, 40 Bar
Each-way ¼ 1, 2, 3.
totesport Gold Cup – WITHOUT DENMAN, KAUTO STAR AND EXOTIC DANCER
3m2½f Cheltenham Friday March 14th
9-2 Kicking King (from 6) 11-2 Star De Mohaison, 11-2 Neptune Collonges, 7-1 Snowy Morning, State Of Play, The Listener, 9 Mossbank, 12 Halcon Genelardais, Our Vic, Another Promise, 14-1 Aces Four, Turpin Green, 16 bar
Each-way 1/5 1, 2, 3.
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