Paul Nicholls' Week Ahead: The Timeform Preview

Whilst fans of Flat racing will clearly be excited by classic trials this week, it will be Cheltenham that captures the imagination of many a National Hunt enthusiast, including trainer Paul Nicholls, who looks set to send a strong team to the Gloucestershire track, headed by course specialist Poquelin.

In the opening novice hurdle on Wednesday (14:10), Bold Addition, the mount of Ruby Walsh, gets the opportunity to complete a hat-trick after wins at Wincanton and Taunton in March. However, although he's clearly an improving hurdler, he will need to raise his game further against the pair of Habbie Simpson and Global Power, the former Grade 2-placed at the course in January.

The yard is doubly represented in the third, a handicap hurdle (15:20), and it'll be hoped that King's Legacy can return to the form that saw him placed behind Grand Crus in what has turned out to be a very informative race at this track in November. His last run can be excused as he was too keen early on and, back down in distance, he should go well. Stablemate Great Mates has to improve a lot to figure and was well beaten in a similar race over this course last time.

The Grade 2 handicap chase (15:55) gives Poquelin the chance to redeem himself after failing to justify favouritism in the Ryanair over course and distance last time. Despite having to give lumps of weight away, he's still Timeform top-rated and he should take a lot of beating at a course he clearly loves.

The following race is a competitive handicap hurdle (16:30) and one in which Vico has to improve significantly to figure. There's also the suspicion that he's not the easiest to train, highlighted by his absence of three months prior to his last run, and it will take a good performance from him to defy top weight.

The final runner of the day is Earth Dream in the novice chase (17:05), who also has to improve to get the better of his rivals, most notably Balthazar King and Adams Island, but he remains capable of better and certainly has claims under Ruby Walsh.

Thursday's card at Cheltenham see's Current Event (14:10) take to the stage again after his facile win at Newbury last time. However, although he's clearly a horse on the up, he faces stiff competition in the shape of the unbeaten Higgy's Ragazzo and the Grade 2-placed Third Intention.

Nicholls is represented in the following handicap chase (14:45) by Classic Swain, who, despite being a winner of two races this season, has often failed to see his race out fully and is certainly far from straightforward.

The progressive Violin Davis looks to hold a great chance of gaining further black type in the mares listed handicap hurdle (15:20), for which she is joint top-rated after finishing runner-up to line Freedom in a similar race at Newbury last time. That effort was her best yet and she's clearly thriving at present.

Nicholls relies on Breedsbreeze in the handicap chase (15:55) but that horse seems to have lost his way and a better chance of a winner could come with There's No Panic in the handicap hurdle (16:30). The final runner of the day, Rivaliste (17:05), is having jumping problems of late and consequently has a lot to prove.

Friday's runners are due to be split between Chepstow and Ayr, with a number of those currently entered at the latter track also due to line up at Cheltenham in the proceeding days. These include Current Event, Tonic Mellysse, Classic Swain and Violin Davis, who would all be unlikely to take up both engagements.

Of those likely to make the trip north, Rock of Deauville would appear to hold a strong chance in the handicap hurdle (14:20). On the other hand, Minella Stars (14:50) would have to improve to figure in his race whilst the same comments apply Gwanako and Five Dream in the 15:25.

At Chepstow, Join Together, The Reformer and San Remo Bello are all possibles for the novice hurdle (16:40), whilst Like Minded (18:55) and Robin Will (19:55) should also go well in their respective races.

Timeform / 12 Apr 2011