Champion trainer Paul Nicholls says there will be “no excuses” for Bravemansgame as he makes his return to action in Saturday's bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.
The seven-year-old put together a four-strong winning sequence over the larger obstacles before finishing a tailed-off last of four behind the re-opposing Ahoy Senor in the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree last April.
But Bravemansgame, who is part owned by one of the leading Flat ownersJohn Dance, was found to be suffering from ulcers after his first chasing defeat.
Nicholls reports Harry Cobden’s mount, who faces six rivals in the Grade 2 three-miler, to be “A1” for his comeback. He looks fantastic and he’s been going nicely, so there are no excuses,” said Nicholls.
“He had all sorts of problems but it was the back end of the season and he’s A1 now – if he doesn’t run a big race, I’ll be surprised. The track should suit him, the ground should suit him and we’re very happy with the way he’s working and the way he looks.”
Seven go to post for the race which is regarded as the first proper big race of the National Hunt season. Other runners include last season's Scottish Grand National winner Win My Wings and Denman Chase hero Eldorado Allen.
Nicholls also runs Secret Investor, while Paint The Dream and Sam Brown make up the field.
Nigel Twiston-Davies has not declared Good Boy Bobby as the ground is unlikely to be soft enough for the Wetherby specialist.
The nine-year-old, whose form figures read 11411 in his five previous Wetherby visits, won the Rowland Meyrick at the West Yorkshire track on Boxing Day.
Wetherby have decided not to water the track after 5mm of rain fell on Thursday morning. More showers are forecast on Friday and Saturday morning.
