Trainer Paul Nicholls has informed that Kauto Star is in good shape after the intense race at Haydock on Saturday, when the two time Gold Cup winner faced Imperial Commander in a great steeplechasing. Imperial Commander connections have also confirmed the horse is in good condition.

“He’s absolutely fine, sharp and well,” Nicholls said about Kauto Star. “He had a hard race two years ago against Exotic Dancer and a hard race when he fell 12 months ago too and both times he came back to win the King George. It looks like he ran about 12lb below his Gold Cup form last year and Haydock is an away day for him, it doesn't really play to his strengths.”

Nicholls also explained that Kauto Star will next race at Kempton and Cheltenham on his home ground. “To be honest, I think it was as good a comeback race as he’s ever had,” Nicholls added. Kauto Star edged out Imperial Commander by a nose after struggling all the way up the straight.

As to Imperial Commander, Carl Llewellyn, assistant to trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies said the horse came out of the race fine, though it was a hard race for both horses. “That’s what’s going to happen if you take on a Gold Cup winner,” Llewellyn commented.

Llewellyn also informed that before Saturday King George was not an option but now it has to be a possibility. “There's a school of thought that he's not so good going right-handed, so there will need to be a lot of discussion with the owners,” he said.

When asked about any discontent about the clarity of the photo finish print that declared Kauto Star the winner, Llewellyn said he didn’t know about any unhappiness concerning that matter. However, a recent report claimed one of Imperial Commander’s owners would file a claim with the British Horseracing Authority.

For Llewellyn, the Cheltenham Gold Cup is the ultimate goal and a good chance for Imperial Commander to prove his good shape. "He loves Cheltenham and the ground will be better, so three and a quarter [miles] round there should suit."

After such a tight ending between Kauto Star and Imperial Commander, many are now awaiting for a rematch. The King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day could be a firm possibility to see the two facing each other again.