Ruby Walsh's 11-year-old mount beat six-year-old favorite
Long Run by a length and a quarter at Kempton Park to surpass Desert Orchid's
record of four victories.
Last season Kauto Star had been left trailing 19 lengths in
third behind Long Run, which then went on to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup to
leave his older rival's career on the line.
But Kauto Star firmly re-established himself as Britain's
leading steeplechaser over three miles on Monday.
"He's just awesome," trainer Paul Nicholls said.
"I don't know why he wasn't quite right last year ... he's just the best.
If he gets to Cheltenham in that form he'll be the one to beat (in the Gold
Cup)."
Sent out at 3-1, the French-bred gelding was in front with a
circuit to go and as the pace quickened heading down the back straight,
produced some sensational leaps.
Long Run, the 11-8 favorite, stayed on tenaciously in the
home straight, but with Sam Waley-Cohen on board failed to match Kauto Star's
impressive speed and jumping.
