Kauto Star was brilliant on Boxing Day in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park, easily outjumping Long Run, who I felt had to show tremendous improvement from Haydock to win. However, for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, much as I would like to see King Kauto win, I don’t think he will be allowed to dictate the pace so comfortably as he did at Kempton and Long Run will probably outstay him up the Cheltenham hill. The biggest danger to Long Run could be Grands Crus, who is very smooth and quick over fences, likes Cheltenham and represents value at 10/1 if David Pipe decides to run him. It will be argued that Grands Crus lacks experience over fences and he shouldn’t run as a 7 year old, given that the Pipe’s young, precocious, inexperienced Gloria Victis was fatally injured when running as a 6 year old in the big race a few years ago. I didn’t support Gloria Victus running in the Gold Cup but the extra year for Grands Crus should make the difference. The Wine Tipster’s ante post bets for The Cheltenham Gold Cup 16th March:Grands Crus 10/1 each way.Kauto Star 4/1 win A small sentimental wager because we all want him to win.Make sure you are there.

Here are some of the whites that have won at the vino races for The Wine Tipster in 2011. The John Platter 5 Star rated Diemersfontein Chenin Blanc 2010, Wellington, South Africa,which is dry, beautifully balanced and exotic. Stockist: www.diemersfontein.co.za . Another Platter 5 Star winner was the super impressive Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Stellenbosch, South Africa, £16. Stockist: Tescos Wine by the Case www.tesco.com/wine . Kevin Judd’s Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2010, New Zealand, £15.99, has great minerality, complexity and taut refinement. Stockist: www.slurp.co.uk with allocations selling out fast. From Tuscany, Fattoria Michi’s Montecarlo Bianco 2010, Italy, £15.75, made from Trebbiano, Rousanne, Sauvignon and Vermentino is a stunning dry, classy white. Stockists: Soho Wines, www.clubviniitaliani.co.uk . Chapel Down’s Bacchus Reserve 2010, Kent, England, stepping in at a friendly 12.5% abv, this wine delivered real depth and was a great match at Roast Restaurant with their pork belly. Stockist: Roast. Portugal could have several winners included here, however a real stand out is Nossa 2009, Vinhos Doidos, Filipa Pato, Beiras, Portugal, £20.00, with ripe lemon and orange fruit flavours, subtle oak influence and minerality. Stockist: www.clarkfoysterwines.co.uk. Burgundy has provided many real highlights this year including Rully 1er Cru La Pucelle 2009, Antonin Rodet, France, £15.99, lemony, spice, vanilla, buttery character, with development to come. Stockist: M&S.Whites under a tenner that continue to be real handicap certainties are Vinho Verde Quinta de Azevedo 2010, Portugal, £6.99-7.49, Majestic and Waitrose, with from Chile, Anakena’s Chardonnay/Viognier 2011, £6.49, Co-op.