Verdict

The Paul Nicholls-trained Kauto Star justified his trainer's faith in him when landing the Tingle Creek in impressive fashion when last seen and the Queen Mother favourite is taken to take this en-route to the Festival ahead of stablemate Armaturk and Oneway who look the best of the remainder. The selection probably needed the run on his first start in 10 months when second to Monkerhostin in the Haldon Gold Cup on his return in November, a belief that was confirmed with his Sandown success. Mick Fitzgerald, who rode the six-year-old in the Tingle Creek, again takes the ride and he is expected to continue to make up for lost time. Martin Pipe's Tamarinbleu came good at Ludlow last time but he needs to improve dramatically on that evidence to trouble the selection, while stablemate Locksmith has failed to convince in two starts this term. Palua looks to be out of his depth and of more interest may be Mark Rimell's Oneway, who showed progressive form last term but is strictly held by the selection on Sandown running. Recent Lingfield winner Armaturk has to be respected but he would not appear to be in the same class as stablemate Kauto Star, who gets the vote.

Formwatch

Kauto Star (FR) 5-2jt-fav (11-7) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd 6th, led 4 out, in command 2 out, 4 lengths clear when hit last, idled and driven out run-in, won at Sandown 2m chs Grd 1 (A) sft in Dec beating Ashley Brook (11-7) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.

Armaturk (FR) 4-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders throughout, hit last, strong challenge run-in, ran on gamely to lead last strides, won at Lingfield 2m hcp chs (B) sft in Dec beating Bleu Superbe (10-1) by a nk, 6 ran.

Locksmith 40-1 (11-9) In rear, some progress from 3 out, never dangerous, 6th of 10, 14l behind Tysou (11-2) at Sandown 2m hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gf.

Oneway (IRE) 5-4fav (11-2) In rear, soon pushed along, left 3rd 3 out, never dangerous, 3rd of 5, well behind Mister McGoldrick (11-8) at Wetherby 2m chs Grd 2 (A) sft in Dec.

Palua 9-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, ridden to chase leading pair approaching 3 out, soon no impression, 4th of 11, 16l behind Almaydan (11-4) at Southwell 2m hcp chs 0-140 (2) gs in Jan.

Tamarinbleu (FR) 8-15fav (11-1) Led to 1st, with leader, led and left clear 3rd, unchallenged after, won at Ludlow 2m beg chs (4) gd in Jan beating Jacks Craic (11-1) by 14l, 10 ran.