Kauto Star has been eased from 6/4 out to 7/4 by Sky Bet for the Gold Cup after edging out Imperial Commander in a thrilling finish to the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.
He was made to dig deep under Ruby Walsh to win by a nose and the narrow margin of victory cost Sky Bet a six-figure sum as he was heavily backed this morning into 4/6 favouritism at the off from Evens and bigger in places with some firms.
Matt Doyle of Sky Bet said: ‘The public gamble on Kauto Star saw the odds against evaporate quickly and we have suffered a massive hit such is the popularity of Paul Nicholls’ dual Gold Cup winner.’
The gallant runner-up, who allayed any stamina doubts over 3m for Nigel Twiston-Davies, is now a 5/1 second favourite with Sky Bet for a potential rematch at Kempton on Boxing Day in the King George.
Last year’s Ryanair Chase winner is also 8/1 from 16s for the Gold Cup in March, while Notre Pere is out to 20/1 from 10s for chasing’s blue riband after running a lifeless race at Haydock.
At Ascot, Zaynar impressed beating his elders over 2m3f for Nicky Henderson and is 9/1 shot from 12s for the Champion Hurdle, while Amlin Chase winner Alberta’s Run is 14/1 from 33s for the King George and a 7/1 chance for the Ryanair Chase at the Festival.
Sky Bet Market Movers:
King George VI Chase
Imperial Commander new 5/1 2nd favourite
Alberta’s Run 14/1 from 33s
Gold Cup
Kauto Star 7/4 (from 6/4)
Imperial Commander 8 (from 16s)
Champion Hurdle
Zaynar 9/1 from 12s
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Pepe Simon 25/1 first show
Grand National
Possol 25/1 (unchanged)