Paul Nicholls Stable Tour

The ten-time champion laid down a marker at Chepstow's big weekend and here the Ditcheat trainer gives us the inside word on his powerful battalion for the new campaign.

Tuesday 16 October 2018
Stable Tours
Share this

Up to £30 in free bets plus 30 free spins

Sign up to Betfred, bet £10 and get up to £30 in free bets plus 30 free spins.

New customers from UK & Northern Ireland. Stake £10 or more at odds of Evens (2.0) or greater on your first bet. £30 free bet credited in 48 hours of your first bet being settled. 7 day expiry. E-Wallet restrictions apply. Max 30 Free Spins on selected games. Full T&Cs apply.

Further terms and conditions may apply

Claim Offer

There was another highly satisfactory Jumps season in store for Paul Nicholls and his team at Ditcheat in the 2017/18 when he notched up over £2.5 million in prize money and 127 winners.

Politologue proved one of the stars over fences when winning both the Grade 1 Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown and Grade 1 Melling Chase at Aintree and, just for good measure, chipped in with Grade 2 successes in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter and the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton.

Black Corton left his mark on the novice chasing division with eight successes and a Grade 1 win in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton and there was Cheltenham Festival victories to boot for Le Prezien in the Grand Annual and a repeat success for Pacha Du Polder in the Foxhunter.

Nicholls had his first major strike of the new season when Secret Investor returned in splendour in the Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at the weekend and he has an army of top talent to go to war with again this term.

Paul kindly spoke to Tony Elves of attheraces.com about his strongest firepower for 2018/19.

All Horses

Adrien Du Pont (FR)

7-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Califet (FR) - Santariyka (FR) (Saint Des Saints (FR))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Kempton, 27 Dec 2018 15:05
Result: Won/8, waited with in rear, steady on inside headway tracking leaders 14th, challenged on bit 3 out, 2nd next, led approaching last, kept on strongly run-in
View full form

Form profile

144 rated chaser. Made a successful debut over fences at Fontwell (2m 5 1/2f) last October when beating Pickamix two lengths and several creditable efforts after including when third, beaten 13 lengths, to the odds-on Sceau Royal in the Grade 2 Lightning Novices Chase at Doncaster (2m 1/2f) in January.

Trainer says

He is ready to run and he may even get three miles and what he will looks good in is fast run big field handicaps as in small fields he can be a bit keen.

Video form
11 Oct 2015	Chepstow - Champion Hats Juvenile Hurdle (2m)
09 Jan 2016	Chepstow - coral.co.uk Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) (2m)
26 Feb 2017	Fontwell - totepool National Spirit Hurdle (Grade 2) (2m 3f)
06 Oct 2017	Fontwell - Performance Foundations Novices' Chase (2m 5½f)
27 Jan 2018	Doncaster - Napoleons Casino & Restaurant Owlerton Sheffield Lightning Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (2m ½f)

Amour de Nuit (IRE)

7-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Azamour (IRE) - Umthoulah (IRE) (Unfuwain (USA))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Kempton, 12 Jan 2019 13:30
Result: 4/4, tracked winner until 3rd, chased leading pair, pushed along and outpaced when mistake 11th, weakened into remote 4th 4 out, tailed off
View full form

Form profile

137 rated chaser. Made a winning debut over fences at Kempton (2m 4 1/2f) in May when beating Another Stowaway five lengths.

Trainer says

He wants fast ground and is a good fun horse. He will stay over fences and may go to the first Cheltenham meeting.

Video form
06 Oct 2014	Windsor - British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes (Div 2) (1m ½f)
16 Oct 2014	Wolverhampton - A-plant Maiden Auction Stakes (7f)
15 Jul 2015	Lingfield - Avensys Handicap (2m)
04 Aug 2015	Ripon - Theakston Terrace Bar Handicap (2m)
15 Sep 2016	Yarmouth - Dan Hague Rails Bookmaker Handicap (1m 6f)

Birds Of Prey (IRE)

5-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Sir Prancealot (IRE) - Cute (UK) (Diktat (UK))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Next Race: Fontwell, 27 Jan 2019 15:00
Form: /22
View full form

Form profile

92 rated on the Flat. Finished runner-up, beaten a short head, to Mister Belverdere at Haydock (1m 4f) when last seen out in August.

Trainer says

He schooled last week and did it really well. He is imminent to go novice hurdling but he won’t run unless there is cut in the ground. He could well go for the November Handicap on the Flat and then go jumping.

Video form
03 Jun 2016	Leopardstown - Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Maiden (Plus 10) (7f)
11 Jul 2016	Killarney - Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Median Auction Race (1m)
18 Aug 2016	Killarney - Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Median Auction Maiden (Plus 10) (1m ½f)
20 Jun 2017	Naas - Irish Stallion Farms Ebf Median Auction Maiden (7f)
18 Jul 2017	Killarney - Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden (1m)

Black Corton (FR)

8-y-o; brown gelding
Breeding: Laverock (IRE) - Pour Le Meilleur (FR) (Video Rock (FR))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Next Race: Cheltenham, 26 Jan 2019 14:25
Form: 154-2P2
View full form

Form profile

153 rated chaser. A winner eight times over fences last season including when beating Elegant Escape a length and a half in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton (3m) on Boxing Day.

Trainer says

He is fine and the idea at the moment is to go for an Intermediate Chase at Sandown on November 11th and then the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury on December 1st.

Video form
04 May 2016	Newton Abbot - Totepool Racing's Biggest Supporter Novices' Hurdle (2m 1f)
07 Oct 2016	Newton Abbot - British Stallion Studs Ebf 'national Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (qualifier) (2m 2½f)
06 Jun 2017	Fontwell - Come Racing At Fontwell Park Racecourse Novices' Chase (2m 1½f)
28 Jun 2017	Worcester - Crs Scrap Metals Malvern 578081 Novices' Chase (2m 4f)
18 Jul 2017	Worcester - Mazak & Pp Going Forward Together Novices' Chase (2m 7f)

Blu Cavalier (GB)

9-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Kayf Tara (UK) - Blue Ride (IRE) (King's Ride (UK))
Trained by: Ali Stronge
Next Race: Newbury, 09 Feb 2019 15:35
Form: 111-232
View full form

Form profile

143 rated hurdler. Completed a hat trick in novice events when beating Cotswold Way six lengths at Wincanton (2m 4f) in April.

Trainer says

I am trying to get him ready to have one more run over hurdles before November 1st. He will then go chasing after that but he does need a bit of cut in the ground.

Video form
19 May 2015	Newton Abbot - SIS Live Standard Open NH Flat Race (2m 1f)
24 Feb 2018	Chepstow - Pertemps Mps Network Maiden Hurdle (2m 3½f)
09 May 2018	Newton Abbot - Sky Sports Racing Coming In 2019 Novices' Hurdle (2m 1f)
01 Jan 2019	Fakenham - Sky Sports Racing Starts Today Selling Hurdle (2m 4f)

Brio Conti (FR)

8-y-o; grey gelding
Breeding: Dom Alco (FR) - Cadoulie Wood (FR) (Cadoudal (FR))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Carlisle, 13 Nov 2017 13:30
Result: Won/5, prominent, pecked 2nd, took closer order 8th, challenged 4 out, led 3 out, hard pressed from last, soon ridden, just held on post
View full form

Form profile

145 rated chaser. Sidelined after short heading Alzammaar in a novices’ chase at Carlisle (2m 4f) in November.

Trainer says

He will be back after Christmas and will run in graduation chases. He is back cantering now after picking up an injury when winning on his chasing debut at Carlisle in November.

Video form
27 Jan 2017	Doncaster - Play Sporting Life Pick 7 Now Maiden Hurdle (2m 3½f)

Captain Cattistock (GB)

6-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Black Sam Bellamy (IRE) - Pearl Buttons (UNR) (Alflora (IRE))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Chepstow, 18 Jan 2019 14:45
Result: 3/9, held up towards rear, headway 5th, one pace when left 4th 4 out, well held next, went 3rd flat
View full form

Form profile

138 rated hurdler. Finished third, beaten three and three quarter lengths, to Garo De Juilley in the Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle at Chepstow (2m 3 1/2f) on Saturday.

Trainer says

He ran a sound enough race in the Silver Trophy at the weekend and will go novice chasing now. He won a point-to-point for Jack Barber and his trip will be between two six and three miles.

Video form
31 Oct 2017	Chepstow - Join Rogues Gallery Racing Club Maiden Hurdle (2m 3½f)
13 Oct 2018	Chepstow - Chepstow Contract Rentals 10 Year Anniversary Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (2m 3½f)
18 Jan 2019	Chepstow - Purple Pine Creative Novices' Chase (2m 7½f)

Clan Des Obeaux (FR)

7-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Kapgarde (FR) - Nausicaa Des Obeaux (UK) (April Night (FR))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Next Race: Cheltenham, 15 Mar 2019 15:30
Form: 2123-41
View full form

Form profile

157 rated chaser. Gained his last success when beating Vintage Clouds seven lengths in a Graduation Chase at Haydock (2m 5 1/2f) last November.

Trainer says

He will run in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby on November 3rd and then will continue in the better three-mile chases. He will have an entry I something like the Betfair Chase as he is going to have to compete in those types of races. I had a nightmare with him in the spring getting him ready as he had a splint and wasn’t really at his best when he ran at Aintree but still ran very well. He is in good shape and has improved.

Video form
08 Oct 2016	Chepstow - totequadpot Novices' Chase (For The Robert Mottram Memorial Trophy) (2m 3½f)

Cliffs Of Dover (GB)

6-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Canford Cliffs (IRE) - Basanti (USA) (Galileo (IRE))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Exeter, 01 Jan 2019 13:15
Result: Won/6, tracked leaders and travelled well, 2nd before 3 out, led next, clear before last, stayed on well
View full form

Form profile

140 rated hurdler and 87 on the Flat. Made the running for a long way when eventually tailed off in the Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket (2m 2f) on Saturday.

Trainer says

He showed up for a long way in the Cesarewitch and we haven’t made a firm plan yet but he could have and entry in the Greatwood Hurdle.

Video form
27 May 2016	Bath - Octagon Consultancy Classified Stakes (1m 2f)
30 Aug 2016	Worcester - Totepool Betting On All Uk Racing Juvenile Maiden Hurdle (2m)
10 Dec 2016	Doncaster - Bet365 Summit Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) (2m ½f)
07 Mar 2018	Lingfield - Stayers Handicap (2m)
19 Mar 2018	Lingfield - Betway Stayers Handicap (2m)

Cyrname (FR)

7-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Nickname (FR) - Narquille (FR) (Passing Sale (FR))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Ascot, 19 Jan 2019 15:00
Result: Won/10, led after 1st, made rest, clear after 4th, kept on strongly, unchallenged
View full form

Form profile

150 rated chaser. Beaten only a neck when runner-up to Sceau Royal in the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown (2m 4f) in February and gained his last success in the Grade 2 Pendil Novices’ Chase at Kempton (2m 4 1/2f) later that month when accounting for The Unit by 11 lengths.

Trainer says

He will go for the Colin Parker at Carlisle and then we will make a plan after that. He needs to go right handed really.

Video form
15 Oct 2017	Chepstow - totepool Live Info Download The App Handicap Hurdle (2m)

Danny Kirwan (IRE)

6-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Scorpion (IRE) - Sainte Baronne (FR) (Saint Des Saints (FR))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Ascot, 21 Dec 2018 13:55
Result: 2/9, led, pushed along entering straight, headed over 1f out, not pace of winner, kept on for clear 2nd
View full form

Form profile

Impressive two-length victor from Pym in a bumper at Kempton in February and unplaced favourite in the Grade 2 Aintree bumper at Liverpool in April.

Trainer says

He will go novice hurdling next month. He is a nice horse but is really a big chasing horse who will want a bit of time.

Danny Whizzbang (IRE)

6-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Getaway (GER) - Lakil Princess (IRE) (Bering (IRE))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Hereford, 28 Nov 2018 14:05
Result: Won/10, prominent, led 4th, ridden approaching last, all out
View full form

Form profile

Winner of his second point-to-point in Ireland in April.

Trainer says

He will be going for three-mile novice hurdles in about a month’s time. He is obviously a chaser in the making long term.

Video form
28 Nov 2018	Hereford - Sri Lanka Awaits You Maiden Hurdle (3m 1½f)

Danse Idol (IRE)

6-y-o; bay mare
Breeding: Dansant (UK) - Screen Idol (IRE) (Sadler's Wells (USA))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Haydock, 22 Dec 2018 13:00
Result: 2/7, raced keenly, led, joined 2 out, headed last, no impression final 75 yards
View full form

Form profile

Finished second, beaten a length and three quarters, to subsequent Cheltenham Festival bumper winner Relegate in a bumper at Punchestown in January when trained in Ireland.

Trainer says

She is a lovely mare and could run in a mares‘ bumper at Aintree towards the end of this month. She could take the same route as Posh Trish and we will have to decide whether to stay in bumpers or go novice hurdling.

Video form
13 Jan 2018	Punchestown - David Trundley Artist At Punchestown Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Flat Race (2m)

Diego Du Charmil (FR)

7-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Ballingarry (IRE) - Daramour (FR) (Anabaa Blue (UK))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Next Race: Cheltenham, 13 Mar 2019 15:30
Form: 2F15-52
View full form

Form profile

157 rated chaser. Gained his most prestigious success when beating Petite Mouchoir two and a half lengths in the Grade 1 Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree (2m) in April.

Trainer says

He will run in the Haldon Gold Cup and then we will just keep him fresh and run in the better two-mile chases. It could be a tough year for him as he is a horse like San Benedeto.

Video form
08 Oct 2016	Chepstow - Weatherbys Hamilton Hurdle (Limited Handicap) (2m)
22 Sep 2017	Newton Abbot - Devondale Electrical Novices' Chase (2m ½f)
13 Oct 2017	Newton Abbot - Eggy Novices' Chase (2m ½f)

Dolos (FR)

6-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Kapgarde (FR) - Redowa (FR) (Trempolino (USA))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Ascot, 22 Dec 2018 13:15
Result: 3/5, raced keenly, held up, closer in 4th place at 4th, travelling well on outside before 2 out, no extra in 3rd between last 2
View full form

Form profile

152 rated chaser. Finished runner-up, beaten a length and a quarter to Beggars Wish in an Intermediate Chase at Newton Abbot (2m 5f) last Friday.

Trainer says

He ran a solid race on his reappearance at Newton Abbot on Friday. He has a tough mark but he will run in those two mile/two and a half mile handicap chases.

Video form
09 Oct 2016	Chepstow - Champion Hats Juvenile Hurdle (2m)
27 Dec 2016	Chepstow - coral.co.uk Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) (2m)
17 Apr 2017	Chepstow - Hugh James Supporting NSPCC Schools Service 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (2m)
14 Oct 2017	Chepstow - Paul Ferguson's Jumpers To Follow Hurdle (Limited Handicap) (2m)
12 Oct 2018	Newton Abbot - Weatherbys Racing Bank Intermediate Chase (2m 5f)

Ecco (GB)

4-y-o; bay colt
Breeding: Maxios (GER) - Enjoy The Life (GER) (Medicean (UNR))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: COLOGNE, 17 Jun 2018 14:15
Result: 6/12,
View full form

Form profile

Winner on the flat at Krefeld (1m 3f) in Germany in May.

Trainer says

He is a nice recruit from Germany and he has been gelded. He will be running in juvenile hurdles after Christmas.

El Bandit (IRE)

8-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Milan (UK) - Bonnie Parker (IRE) (Un Desperado (FR))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Cheltenham, 14 Dec 2018 14:30
Result: PulledUp/9, prominent until slow 8th, pushed along after 12th, well beaten 18th, tailed off when mistake 3 out, pulled up before next
View full form

Form profile

141 rated chaser. Scored by 16 lengths from Shelford on his chasing bow at Warwick (3m 1 1/2f) in May.

Trainer says

He is nearly ready to run and we will find a nice handicap chase for him. That would be somewhere in November.

Video form
01 Jun 2016	Fontwell - Mortimer Arms Novices' Hurdle (2m 5½f)
09 Oct 2016	Chepstow - totepool Persian War Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (2m 3½f)

Frodon (FR)

7-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Nickname (FR) - Miss Country (FR) (Country Reel (USA))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Next Race: Cheltenham, 26 Jan 2019 14:25
Form: 350-121
View full form

Form profile

158 rated chaser. Gained his last success in a Grade 3 Handicap Chase at Cheltenham (3m 1 1/2f) in January when accounting for Shantou Flyer by 17 lengths.

Trainer says

We haven’t really made a plan for him but he is another who will be ready to run in November. We may have a look at something over the National fences.

Video form
16 Sep 2016	Newton Abbot - Attheraces Sky 415 Novices' Chase (2m ½f)
30 Sep 2016	Fontwell - Performance Foundations Management Appreciation Novices' Chase (2m 5f)
13 Oct 2017	Newton Abbot - Weatherbys Racing Bank Intermediate Chase (2m 5f)

Give Me A Copper (IRE)

9-y-o; chestnut gelding
Breeding: Presenting (UK) - Copper Supreme (IRE) (Supreme Leader (UK))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Next Race: Cheltenham, 15 Mar 2019 15:30
Form: 1161/U1-
View full form

Form profile

146 rated chaser. Heavily odds-on when beating Three Ways three and a quarter lengths in a match in a novices’ chase at Kempton (3m) in November.

Trainer says

He will be back for or just after Christmas. We have to run him in some of the better races. We could start off in a graduation chase but he could be a Grand National horse one day.

Video form
27 Mar 2016	Cork - corkracecourse.ie (Pro/Am) Flat Race (2m 3f)
28 Jan 2017	Doncaster - Albert Bartlett River Don Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (3m ½f)

Hugos Other Horse

4 g Gold Well - Wicked Crack

Form profile

Unraced

Trainer says

He is an unraced four-year-old gelding by Gold Well and is a half-brother to Cue Card. He is a big baby and will run in a bumper in the next eight weeks.

Ibis Du Rheu (FR)

8-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Blue Bresil (FR) - Dona Du Rheu (FR) (Dom Pasquini (FR))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Warwick, 12 Jan 2019 15:00
Result: 7/12, in rear, not fluent 16th, behind next
View full form

Form profile

139 rated chaser. Creditable effort when finishing fifth, beaten 15 lengths, to Ibis Du Rheu in the Listed Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase at Cheltenham (2m 4 1/2f) in March.

Trainer says

We will find a beginners’ chase for him and then progress from there.

Video form
27 Dec 2016	Chepstow - Coral.co.uk Money Back If Your Horse Falls Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (2m 7½f)

If You Say Run (IRE)

7-y-o; bay mare
Breeding: Mahler (UK) - De Lissa (IRE) (Zaffaran (USA))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Next Race: Cheltenham, 12 Mar 2019 16:10
Form: 122P-12
View full form

Form profile

131 rated hurdler. Finished runner-up, beaten two and a three quarter lengths, to Midnight Tune in a Grade 2 mares’ novices hurdle at Sandown (2m 4f) in February.

Trainer says

She run in a mares’ hurdle at Wincanton in November and then probably goes novice chasing.

Video form
17 Apr 2017	Chepstow - Army Cadets Wales Supporting NSPCC Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race (Div 2) (2m)
14 Oct 2017	Chepstow - totescoop6 Mares' Novices' Hurdle (2m 3½f)

Le Prezien (FR)

8-y-o; brown gelding
Breeding: Blue Bresil (FR) - Abu Dhabi (FR) (Saint Cyrien (FR))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Cheltenham, 18 Nov 2018 14:25
Result: 5/6, made most, not fluent and headed narrowly 4 out, driven and lost place after 3 out, beaten next, soon weakened
View full form

Form profile

156 rated chaser. Landed the Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase at Cheltenham (2m 1/2f) in March by four and a half lengths from Gino Trail.

Trainer says

I don’t really know where he is going to go as he will be ready in about a month’s time. We will look for an opportunity between two and and two and a half miles.

Video form
08 Jan 2016	Doncaster - Premier Quality Foods 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (2m ½f)
28 Oct 2016	Uttoxeter - Kalahari King Beginners' Chase (2m)
28 Apr 2017	Punchestown - EMS Copiers Novice Handicap Chase (Grade A) (2m 5f)
20 Oct 2018	Ffos Las - Dunraven Group Welsh Champion Hurdle (Limited Handicap) (2m)

Magic Saint (FR)

5-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Saint Des Saints (FR) - Magic Poline (FR) (Trempolino (USA))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Ascot, 22 Dec 2018 13:50
Result: 5/10, held up well off the pace in rear, steady headway approaching 11th, modest 5th 4 out, plugged on
View full form

Form profile

145 rated chaser. Gained his last success in a Conditions Chase at Auteuil (2m 2f) in March when trained by Guy Macaire.

Trainer says

I haven’t made a plan – he is a four-year-old and he is eligible for graduation chases over here and then we will see where we are.

Malaya (FR)

5-y-o; bay filly
Breeding: Martaline (UK) - Clarte D'or (FR) (Kendor (FR))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Kempton, 27 Dec 2018 15:35
Result: Fell/12, chased leaders, pushed along and weakening when fell 2 out
View full form

Form profile

141 rated hurdler. Landed the Listed Wensleydale Hurdle by four lengths from City Dreamer at Wetherby (2m) in November and added to that success in a Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Ascot (1m 7 1/2f) in March when scoring by three and a quarter lengths from Eragon De Chanay.

Trainer says

She just had a tiny little setback about a month ago just an infection in a foot. That has put me on the back foot a little and I was going to novice chasing her by now but at some stage she will go over fences.

Video form
15 Oct 2017	Chepstow - Champion Hats Juvenile Hurdle (2m)
11 Nov 2018	Auteuil - Renaud Du Vivier Hurdle (Grade 1) (2m 3½f)

Master Tommytucker (GB)

8-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Kayf Tara (UK) - No Need For Alarm (UK) (Romany Rye (UK))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Chepstow, 13 Oct 2018 15:35
Result: Fell/4, took keen hold, raced in 2nd or 3rd, just under 2 lengths behind leader when fell 4 out
View full form

Form profile

143 rated hurdler. Winner of both of his hurdle race at Exeter in the Spring and had 11 lengths to spare from King Calvin over two miles and five furlong on the second occasion in April. Fell when travelling strongly in a Listed Novices Chase won by Spiritofthegame at Chepstow (2m 3 1/2f) on Saturday.

Trainer says

He won both of his hurdle races at Exeter last season and was still going like the winner when tipping up on his chasing debut at Chepstow last Saturday. I have been dying to go chasing with him and he can soon make amends. He is a very nice horse.

Video form
13 Oct 2018	Chepstow - Smerdon Tree Services Novices' Chase (Listed) (2m 3½f)

Modus (GB)

9-y-o; chestnut gelding
Breeding: Motivator (UK) - Alessandra (UK) (Generous (IRE))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Next Race: Doncaster, 25 Jan 2019 13:55
Form: F185-10
View full form

Form profile

156 rated chaser. Was winning his third race over fences last season when accounting for Max Ward by three lengths in a graduation chase at Kempton (2m 4 1/2f) last February.

Trainer says

I haven’t made any plans for him just yet but he likes decent ground and will run in those good two and a half mile chases.

Video form
29 Apr 2015	Punchestown - attheraces.com Champion I.N.H. Flat Race (Grade 1) (2m)

Mont Des Avaloirs (FR)

6-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Blue Bresil (FR) - Abu Dhabi (FR) (Saint Cyrien (FR))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Next Race: Newbury, 09 Feb 2019 15:35
Form: 414-230
View full form

Form profile

139 rated hurdler. Finished runner-up, beaten four lengths, to Maria’s Benefit in a novices’ chase at Newton Abbot (2m 1/2f) last Friday.

Trainer says

He ran a good race on his debut over fences at Newton Abbot and will, hopefully, soon be going one better.

Video form
08 Apr 2017	Chepstow - mytotepool.com Exclusive Racing Preview Standard Open NH Flat Race (Div 2) (2m)
15 Oct 2017	Chepstow - Shadow Scaffolding Standard Open NH Flat Race (Div 2) (2m)
12 Oct 2018	Newton Abbot - Thank You To All Our Customers This Season Novices' Chase (2m ½f)

My Way (FR)

5-y-o; chestnut gelding
Breeding: Martaline (UK) - Royale Majesty (FR) (Nikos (UK))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Wincanton, 05 Jan 2019 15:50
Result: 7/16, led, headed before 2 out, ridden and weakened before last
View full form

Form profile

Placed in good company over hurdles and fences in France for Francois Nicolle.

Trainer says

He is a lovely horse and he will go novice hurdling fairly soon. He ran over fences and hurdles in France but I think he will stick over hurdles this season for us.

Old Guard (GB)

8-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Notnowcato (UK) - Dolma (FR) (Marchand De Sable (USA))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Next Race: Cheltenham, 14 Mar 2019 15:30
Form: 223263
View full form

Form profile

153 rated hurdler. Gained his third win over hurdles last season when beating Lil Rockerfeller a length and a half in the Grade 2 National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell (2m 3f) in February.

Trainer says

He is ready to run and could go to Kempton this weekend. He will follow the same route as last year really.

Video form
23 Jun 2014	Windsor - Wsm Communications In Aid Of Clic Sargent Maiden Stakes (1m ½f)
14 Jul 2014	Lingfield - 32red On The App Store Median Auction Maiden Stakes (1m 2f)
27 Dec 2014	Chepstow - coral.co.uk Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) (2m ½f)
07 Oct 2016	Newton Abbot - Eggy Birthday Novices' Chase (2m ½f)
14 Oct 2017	Chepstow - totepool Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (2m 3½f)

Politologue (FR)

8-y-o; grey gelding
Breeding: Poliglote (UK) - Scarlet Row (FR) (Turgeon (USA))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Next Race: Cheltenham, 13 Mar 2019 15:30
Form: 1241-14
View full form

Form profile

168 rated chaser. Winner of the Grade 1 Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown (1m 7 1/2f) in December by half a length from Fox Norton and the Grade 1 Melling Chase at Aintree (2m 4f) in Apri by a neck from Min. Also successful in the Grade 2 Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter (2m 1 1/2f) in November and the Grade 2 Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton (2m) in December.

Trainer says

He will be ready Betfair Chase weekend and will either go to Haydock or Ascot. He was a star for us last season and he has shown that he is at his best on flatter tracks.

Present Man (IRE)

9-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Presenting (UK) - Glen's Gale (IRE) (Strong Gale (UK))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Taunton, 19 Jan 2019 14:50
Result: 4/7, soon led, headed approaching 7th, remained prominent, ridden 5 out, weakened next, modest 4th
View full form

Form profile

144 rated chaser. Landed the listed Badger Ales Trophy Handicap at Wincanton (3m 1f) last November by a head from Final Nudge off a mark of 142.

Trainer says

He won the Badger Ales Chase at Wincanton last season and the plan is to go back and try and win it again. He goes well when fresh and is in good form.

Video form
10 Dec 2016	Doncaster - Bet365 December Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (3m)

Romain De Senam (FR)

7-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Saint Des Saints (FR) - Salvatrixe (FR) (Housamix (FR))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Taunton, 09 Jan 2019 14:20
Result: Won/4, bit keen and jumped left at times, tracked leading pair, 2nd briefly at 9th, tracked leader 12th, went left next, challenged and went left 2 out, upsides and untidy last, quickened to lead run-in
View full form

Form profile

139 rated chaser. Gained the second of his two victories in handicap chases last season at Stratford (2m 5f) in October when beating Burton Wells by a neck.

Trainer says

I haven’t really made a plan but he will soon be ready and two and a half miles and two miles six handicap chases will be his cup of tea.

Video form
28 Nov 2016	Plumpton - Autumn Gala Novices' Chase (2m 1f)
28 Jan 2017	Doncaster - Sky Bet First Race Special Handicap Chase (2m ½f)
15 Oct 2017	Chepstow - John Ayres Memorial Handicap Chase (2m 3½f)

San Benedeto (FR)

8-y-o; chestnut gelding
Breeding: Layman (USA) - Cinco Baidy (FR) (Lure (USA))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Ascot, 19 Jan 2019 15:00
Result: 10/10, held up in last pair, some headway 12th, weakened 4 out
View full form

Form profile

155 rated chaser. Several creditable efforts last season without winning including when runner-up, beaten only three and a quarter lengths, to Altior in the Grade 1 Celebration Chase at Sandown (1m 7 1/2f) in April.

Trainer says

He is a hard horse to place off 155 and will probably follow the same route as last year and go for the Haldon Gold Cup to start. He wins plenty of prize money and he prefers better ground.

Video form
28 Feb 2016	Fontwell - totepool National Spirit Hurdle (Grade 2) (2m 3f)
10 May 2016	Sedgefield - Paxtons For Piippo Full Cover Net Novices' Chase (2m 3½f)
22 Jun 2016	Worcester - MFG Solicitors Novices' Chase (2m 4f)
07 Oct 2016	Newton Abbot - Weatherbys Racing Diaries Intermediate Chase (2m 5f)
04 Mar 2017	Doncaster - Betbright Handicap Chase (2m ½f)

Secret Investor (GB)

7-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Kayf Tara (UK) - Silver Charmer (UK) (Charmer (UK))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Warwick, 12 Jan 2019 13:50
Result: 2/4, tracked leaders, mistake 11th, headway on outside 12th, led 3 out, headed before mistake last, stayed on same pace flat
View full form

Form profile

137 rated hurdler. Made an impressive return over hurdles when landing the Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow (2m 3 1/2f) on Saturday.

Trainer says

He is a horse I have always like and we cauterized his palate during the Summer. He won the Persian War nicely at Chepstow on Saturday and we will see how he goes but the intention was to go novice chasing with him.

Video form
08 Feb 2018	Doncaster - sunbets.co.uk Novices' Hurdle (2m 5f)
14 Oct 2018	Chepstow - Fox Family Persian War Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (2m 3½f)

The Dellercheckout (IRE)

6-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Getaway (GER) - Loreley (IRE) (Oscar (IRE))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Wincanton, 05 Jan 2019 14:05
Result: 5/7, always behind
View full form

Form profile

122 rated hurdler. Best effort last season when runner-up, beaten seven lengths, to Uppertown Prince at Bangor (2m 3 1/2f) in December.

Trainer says

We will win a novice hurdle with him if we can before going chasing. He has had an operation on his wind and the handicapper has given him a chance off 122.

Tommy Silver (FR)

7-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Silver Cross (FR) - Sainte Mante (FR) (Saint Des Saints (FR))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Kempton, 26 Nov 2018 14:35
Result: 2/8, chased leaders, hit 10th and next, outpaced when mistake 4 out, rallied under pressure 2 out, went 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner
View full form

Form profile

136 rated chaser. Scored by three and a half lengths from Cultivator in a novice chase at Leicester (2m) in November and several creditable efforts after.

Trainer says

He will be chasing again and he is nearly ready to run. Two and a half miles suits him.

Video form
15 Oct 2016	Ffos Las - Walters Group Welsh Champion Hurdle (Limited Handicap) (2m)
16 Apr 2017	Plumpton - totepool Sussex Champion Hurdle (Handicap) (2m)
14 Nov 2017	Worcester - R&A Mason Heating & Electrical Novices' Chase (2m ½f)
27 May 2018	Uttoxeter - Clarke Chase (Handicap) (For The Sir Stanley And Lady Clarke Challenge Trophy) (2m 4f)

Topofthegame (IRE)

7-y-o; chestnut gelding
Breeding: Flemensfirth (USA) - Derry Vale (IRE) (Mister Lord (USA))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Kempton, 26 Dec 2018 13:55
Result: 2/7, in touch, headway 10th, led 3 out, soon ridden, headed last, kept on same pace
View full form

Form profile

154 rated hurdler. Gained his only success over hurdles last season in a Grade 3 handicap at Sandown (2m 7 1/2f) when beating Golan Fortune a length and a half off a mark of 142.

Trainer says

He will be novice chasing in about six weeks’ time. He is a nice horse and he should make a smart staying novice.

Trevelyn's Corn (IRE)

6-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Oscar (IRE) - Present Venture (IRE) (Presenting (UK))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Ascot, 24 Nov 2018 12:20
Result: 4/7, tracked clear leader 2nd, closer at 6th, led 3 out, narrowly headed 2 out, chased leader, every chance when stumbled last, no extra in 4th run-in
View full form

Form profile

Winner of his only point-to-point in Ireland in December.

Trainer says

He will go novice hurdling off over two and a half miles or two six. He is a chaser in the making but will stay novice hurdling this year.

Vicente (FR)

10-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Dom Alco (FR) - Ireland (FR) (Kadalko (FR))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Taunton, 19 Jan 2019 14:50
Result: 3/7, chased leaders, slow 12th, effort 3 out, soon one pace
View full form

Form profile

149 rated chaser. Winner of the Scottish Grand National at Ayr (4m) in 2017 and ran another creditable in that race in April when fifth, beaten 13 lengths, to Joe Farrell.

Trainer says

He is a hard race to place with his rating but the Scottish National in the spring suits him well. We will run him through the Winter and see what happens.

Video form
25 Oct 2014	Chepstow - totepool Persian War Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (2m 4f)
18 Nov 2014	Fakenham - Weatherbys Printing Beginners' Chase (3m ½f)
30 Apr 2015	Newton Abbot - Sis Virtual Mobile Games Beginners' Chase (2m 5½f)
27 Dec 2016	Chepstow - Coral Welsh Grand National (Grade 3 Handicap Chase) (3m 5½f)
28 Jan 2017	Doncaster - Sky Bet Handicap Chase (Listed) (3m)

Warriors Tale (GB)

10-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Midnight Legend (UK) - Samandara (FR) (Kris (UK))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Next Race: Doncaster, 26 Jan 2019 15:15
Form: U22P-41
View full form

Form profile

149 rated chaser. Probably best effort last season when runner-up, beaten a neck, to Gold Present at Newbury (2m 6 1/2f) in December off a mark of 142.

Trainer says

He will probably go to Aintree in December for the Grand Sefton Chase. I think two miles six or three miles suits him better than the National trip.

Video form
31 Mar 2014	Hexham - Hexham For Tourists Maiden Open NH Flat Race (Div 2) (2m ½f)
27 Jan 2018	Doncaster - Sky Bet Handicap Chase (Listed) (3m)

Worthy Farm (IRE)

6-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Beneficial (UNR) - Muckle Flugga (IRE) (Karinga Bay (UK))
Trained by: P F Nicholls
Last Race: Cheltenham, 14 Dec 2018 15:40
Result: 10/12, led until 8th, mistake 2 out, weakened before last
View full form

Form profile

Winner of his only point-to-point for Jack Barber and finished third, beaten a half a length, to Merry Milan in a maiden hurdle at Bangor (2m 7f) in April on his first start for the stable.

Trainer says

He ran well in a maiden race at the backend and is sure to win hurdle races before he eventually goes over fences.

Paul Nicholls Stable Tour