WITH regular condition checks on radio, TV and websites, the 'patient' must be thoroughly enjoying all the attention.

Yes, it's Kauto Star, whose participation in the Betfred Gold Cup on the final day of the forthcoming Cheltenham Festival has been in the balance since a fall during schooling at Ditcheat, the stables of leading trainer Paul Nicholls.

There's no doubt the four-day festival would live up to its worldwide reputation without King Kauto's presence, but, his popularity among both racing and non-racing folk and his fifth victory in the King George on Boxing Day, look guaranteed to add an extra dimension to the Cheltenham racing extravaganza.

The clash with last year's Gold Cup winner was certainly the potential highlight of the meeting.

However, I don't think you can rule out one or two of the other runners, including Midnight Chase and Burton Port.

Advance ticket and badge sales point to record crowds despite the country's economic woes and but, with seven races a day, there will be plenty to keep them occupied. Gold Cup Friday is sold out, but tickets for the other three days can still be purchased at the gate.

INTEREST

I don't expect to trump my success of last year in recommending Willie Mullins as top trainer and Ruby Walsh to finish on the Friday night as top jockey, but these are good bets and give you an interest in most of the races, even if you don't want to back an individual horse.

For top trainer, try Nicky Henderson with a saver at a much better price on Alan King, (14-1), whose horses seem to thrive at Cheltenham over the years.

It's odds-on for Ruby Walsh to be top jockey, repeating his success of last year, because he can ride Paul Nicholls' horses as well as those of Paddy Mullins.

A better bet might be Barry Geraghty, available at 7/2 or Paul Townend at an attractive best price of 33/1 with Coral.

For value, try Rock on Ruby in the opening day Stan James Champion Hurdle to usurp title holder Hurricane Fly, and Big Easy in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Race.

Let's just hope the festival lives up to its billing and all the equine and human competitors come back safe and sound.

Keith Whitford