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Paul Nicholls Open Day – Wednesday February 18th
With the build up to the Cheltenham Festival really hitting top gear a good number turned out at Paul Nicholls’ yard for a Cheltenham organised open day last Wednesday. He paraded around 20 horses and was happy to answer questions, the majority of which centred on Denman with his comeback run at Kempton still fresh in the memory.

Before I go through each of the horses that were paraded I must say how well all of his string looked and the recent bad weather may have been a blessing in disguise with the majority looking very fresh and raring to go.

WHAT A FRIEND
A worthy favourite for the RSA in his trainer’s opinion and he couldn’t be happy. Goes very well fresh so the lack of a recent run is of no concern. Ruby (Walsh) will have the choice between him and Cooldine but Nicholls said he wasn’t overly fussed which way Ruby went as he is very happy with his horse. A Gold Cup horse for next year who should go well.

I’MSINGINGTHEBLUES
An improving sort who hasn’t received the credit he deserves. He’s in the mix for the Arkle and he stays very well. Christian Williams takes the ride.

TWIST MAGIC
Punchestown in the spring will be the main target and good ground is key to him. Goes very well fresh.

TATENEN
The faster they go the better the better for him and although he would prefer soft ground Nicholls sounded very excited by him. Should have made more use of him over in Ireland, when beaten, and he didn’t travel well which has meant it has taken him a while to recover. There is no way Ruby is getting off him and speaking to some of the stable staff a fair few are on him ante-post for the Arkle.

THE NIGHTINGALE
A dark horse for the Ballymore Properties, top 6 apparently. Purposefully kept fresh for a spring campaign he’ll make a lovely chaser next year.

STAR DE MOHAISON
Didn’t stay at Cheltenham when beaten last time out and he really needs decent ground. Plenty of opportunities for him in the spring.

CONFLICTOFINTEREST
An improved sort following a breathing operation who is ideally suited by good ground. Interesting for Aintree and Punchestown

CHAPOTURGEON
This chap looked very fresh and looked ready to go! A mark of 135 means he is bound for the Jewson.

PRIDE OF DULCOTE
Has thrown Ruby off three times so far but he has been deliberately kept fresh and will have leading claims in the Ballymore.

MOBASHER
Cheltenham will suit him in the World Hurdle and he has place claims before heading to Aintree and Punchestown. Decent ground is key.

CELESTIAL HALO
A real spring horse that is the yard’s first proper Champion Hurdle hope. Had problems in the lead up to Ascot (2nd behind Binocular) and then battled hard to win at Sandown (beat Osana). Nicholls said he’d left plenty to work on before that Sandown race so the small winning margin wasn’t a concern. He improved massively in this period twelve months ago before winning the Triumph and he looks to be doing the same this time. Very hopeful.

KICKS FOR FREE
Probably heading for the RSA but Aintree is more likely to be his course (although that was all before his lacklustre run at Fontwell on Sunday)!

POQUELIN
Grand Annual all the way. Decent ground and a left handed track are his requirements.

NEPTUNE COLLONGES
Still improvement to come and certainly right in the mix for the Gold Cup. Very happy with him.

MY WILL
Grand National horse but will run at Cheltenham, probably in Gold Cup. Great profile for the big race at Aintree.

BIG FELLA THANKS
All systems go for Aintree and the National after Saturday and he won’t be seen at Cheltenham.

BIG BUCKS
Looking after him this year over hurdles, after his fall in the Hennessey, as he’s a Gold Cup horse for next year. Solid chance in the World Hurdle but the favourite will take some beating.

MASTER MINDED
‘The best I’ve ever had and the best I’m likely to ever have’. Best fresh and he’s improved physically from last year. Will have raced just the three times this year after Cheltenham so there is every chance he has improvement in him!

DENMAN
He has improved since Kempton, when he hated going right handed. Nicholls said he wasn’t as fit as he thought he was and although he looks mentally sharper and is eating far more now. Maybe realistically the Gold Cup is another stepping stone to next season for him.

KAUTO STAR
The one to beat. Best when fresh he always bounces back after a defeat. I got the impression that the stable, quite rightly, really really fancy him.