Racing: Kauto Star emerged from his heroics in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in top form, according to trainer Paul Nicholls.
The seven-year-old held his old adversary Exotic Dancer for a fourth time by half a length in the hands of Sam Thomas, who was replacing the injured Ruby Walsh.
"He's fine and had a lead-out and a pick of grass this morning - he's in fine form," said the Ditcheat handler today.
"I did say to Sam don't worry if you do end up in front as he'll get the trip well. It was a great ride when you consider the pressure he was under.
"As far as I'm concerned he rides everything if he's available until Ruby comes back. When Ruby's back he'll ride, but it's nice to have an able substitute to ride if anything happens.
"I'm sure after Saturday Ruby will be looking to get back as quickly as he can," Nicholls told At The Races.
Owner Clive Smith was obviously delighted to see his pride and joy back in the winner's enclosure following his defeat by Monet's Garden at Aintree on his seasonal debut.
"Saturday was a pressurised situation in every way, and I was thrilled to see him back in top form," said Smith.
"Conditions at Haydock were not ideal for us and he was also probably in front too soon, but it was out of this world to see him win as he did, with some extravagant leaps and showing real guts.
"I was always confident Kauto would hold on. He dug deep and was not going to be passed."
Connections of Exotic Dancer were delighted with their horse's performance as they still harbour hope of lowering the colours of Kauto Star.
"Obviously he improved on his first run and we were delighted with the effort which he made," said Barry Simpson, racing manager to owner Sir Robert Ogden.
"On that run there's very little between them, but he (Kauto Star) just keeps beating us. We'd like one day to get our nose in front. It would be very nice, we are getting closer."
Exotic Dancer is to follow the same path as last season, going for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day, followed by the Letheby & Christopher Chase at Cheltenham on January 26th and then the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
"He goes for the King George next. That's his plan and it's exactly the same as last year - the Cotswold Chase and then the Gold Cup," confirmed Simpson.