Paul Nicholls will be hoping to end his recent quiet spell when he sends a very strong team to Newbury on Saturday.
The trainer has had just one winner from his last 39 runners, but insists the quiet run of form has been blown out of proportion.
Kauto Star Novices' Chase winner Bravemansgame and two-time King George winner Clan Des Obeaux are among Nicholl's runners on a quality card at Newbury.
Here's the Betfair ambassador's thoughts ahead of the weekend:
Newbury
13:15 - Bravemansgame
A number of our horses have been disappointing over the past few weeks but nothing has come to light and the blood tests we took on Monday on all our Newbury runners have come back normal. While we are doing everything we can to put things right I’m not one to pull them out unless there is an obvious reason. The fact is that all of our Saturday runners look great in their coats and have been working as well as ever at home so there is no reason not to run them at Newbury. I won this race with Denman when it was a level weights novice event. Now it’s a limited novice handicap which looks suitable for Bravemansgame who has quickly developed into an exciting chaser. His jumping is mustard and while I have left plenty to work on for Cheltenham I am hoping he can win.
14:25 - Clan Des Obeaux
He looks amazing, is in great order after running so well in the King George on Boxing Day and has never looked back since we fitted him with cheekpieces after his narrow defeat in this race a year ago. They have made a big difference to his form and the plan is to by-pass Cheltenham and head next to Aintree with Clan before another trip to Punchestown in April. If you had seen Clan schooling over fences with the others earlier in the week or working so well on Friday morning you couldn’t believe there was an issue with any of our horses. Obvious chance.
15:00 - Hitman
He was raised 6lbs to a career high mark of 160 after his fine run into second place behind Greaneteen in the Tingle Creek at Sandown and this looks a suitable race for him. He is nice and fresh and it helps that he escapes a penalty. I’m sure there is more to come from Hitman who goes to Newbury with sound prospects of another success.
15:35 - Knappers Hill
Progressive novices have a fine record in this race and Knappers Hill fits the profile nicely. He won his first two races over hurdles and the form of his third at Ascot last time behind Jonbon has worked out really well. The way that race was run didn’t play to his strengths and you could argue that he is well handicapped given that last season in bumpers he twice beat Stage Star who is now rated 143. We’ve done loads of schooling with Knappers Hill to sharpen up his jumping and he should get the fast run race that he needs to bring his stamina into play.
16:10 - Sonigino
A 10lbs penalty for his two wins in France makes life difficult for Sonigino who has been a bit too keen for his own good in his three starts for us. Once he learns to relax and settle he will be ok and there was plenty of encouragement in his latest run when he was fourth at Ascot. We also feel he will be happier going back left handed at Newbury. He is a chaser for next season.
16:45 - Timeforatune
He is unbeaten in three starts now and carries a 4lbs penalty for his determined success in a Listed bumper at Cheltenham last time. It is a bit too late to be switching Timeforatune to hurdles at this stage of the season. This is the best race he has contested this season and if he shines then we can then take him to Aintree.
Uttoxeter
14:33 - Red Risk
He has not progressed as we hoped in three starts over fences this season following a wind op in the summer. It makes sense to try him back hurdles as he is rated 9lbs lower compared to his Chase mark. But it will not be easy for Red Risk under top weight at Uttoxeter in deep ground.
Best chance: Bravemansgame. 13:15 Newbury. He looks every inch a top class chaser and should take all the beating.
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