KAUTO STAR HAS been already written off by many punters – but owner Clive Smith reckons that punters have forgotten about the “Ruby factor.”

The two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner has been slightly disappointing of late, particularly when he failed to claim a fifth successive King George VI crown when the rescheduled race was run at Kempton in January.

However, on that occasion the 11-year-old was partnered by Tony McCoy rather than Walsh, the man who has steered him to all of his previous victories to date. The Irish jockey has been out of the saddle since breaking his leg at Down Royal in November but is fit to ride at next week’s festival, a bonus which Smith feels could make all the difference.

We feel it will be different with Ruby back and the two know each other so well we will have a much more favourable result.

As good as Tony McCoy is, he has a different style of riding and I’m very pleased that Ruby is able to get back on Kauto again.

“It would be incredible if he could regain the Gold Cup for a second time,” Smith told AtTheRaces. “I think he’s got a great chance.”

The Paul Nicholls-trained chaser was sent off the 8/11 favourite for last year’s Gold Cup. He fell four fences from home in a race which was eventually won by Paddy Brennan aboard Imperial Commander.

Imperial Commander has again been installed as favourite for this year’s renewal, with some bookmakers quoting prices as low as 11/4. Kauto Star is currently available at odds of 5/1 to follow up his wins in 2007 and 2009 with a third crown.