Latest News / Timeform / 19 April 2011 / 1

With Rebel Du Maquis continuing Paul Nicholls' good form when taking a novice chase at Exeter on Monday, will the yard be in for more success with their runners this week? Timeform takes a look...

Paul Nicholls sends two horses to Fontwell on Tuesday, with American Trilogy the first to line up in the novice chase (14:50). A very talented hurdler in 2008/9, it's fair to say that American Trilogy's chasing career is yet to take off, with his tendency to jump left, evident when last of three to subsequent Arkle winner Captain Chris in the Pendil Chase at Kempton in February, proving a hindrance. While his technique was a bit better at left-handed Cheltenham last time, until he proves otherwise it has to be assumed that his jumping won't be good enough to add to his beginners chase win in February any time soon. What's more, the ratings suggest he has both Swansbrook and Fruity O'Rooney to beat, with the latter most feared as he's usually a reliable jumper, despite having an off day when beaten by American Trilogy's stablemate Valentine Vic at Chepstow last time.

The other Nicholls representative is unraced four-year-old gelding Themanfromcork, who is among the market leaders for division one of the bumper (17:20). However, Kaylif Aramis sets a good standard after his second at Huntingdon last time where he had the Nicholls-trained subsequent winner Themilanhorse (conceding 8 lbs,) three and three quarter lengths behind in third, and, for all that he's expected to go well, it would take a promising performance from Themanfromcork to win on debut.

Thursday could be a busy day for the yard with horses currently engaged at both Wincanton and Ludlow.

The consistent Violin Davis looks the best chance of a winner should she line up in the mares novice hurdle (14:10) at Wincanton. The form of her last two placed efforts means she's Timeform top-rated and should she reproduce either piece of form, she's likely to be very hard to beat. Her biggest danger would appear to be Miss Overdrive, who returned to her best under a positive ride last time.

At the same track, the strong-travelling Earth Planet and the unexposed River d'Or are both likely to be competitive in the handicap chase (15:10). However, it appears both would need to improve to get the better of Upham Atom, Circus of Dreams and Major Malarkey should they run to form in what looks an open race.

Finally, Nicholls has three engaged in the concluding bumper (16:40), but, with Themanfromcork due to run on Tuesday, it seems likely he'll be represented by Suerte Al Salto and/or Ambrose Hill Lad, both of whom are unraced. With no form to go on for any of the opposition, the market will be the best guide to their chances.

Over at Ludlow, Taunton specialist Qozak is going to undoubtedly find the novice chase (14:50) tougher than the small-field races he's won round that track of late. However, bar the unreliable Othermix, he is Timeform top-rated so is likely to go well with his confidence high.

The final runner of the week is Takeroc (17:15), who has the chance to redeem himself after failing to justify short-priced favouritism in a hunter chase at Exeter on Monday, when taking in a similar race at Ludlow. The biggest barrier to success, however, appears to be the hat-trick seeking Double Mead who appeared to have plenty left in the tank at the course last time.

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1. paul | 19 April 2011

   american trilogy was the best horse,travelled like the best horse but guess what,finished 2nd,reason is obvious NICK SCHOLFIELD,he was again out battled against a more determined jockey in jamie moore,who was strong and more determined to win.You need to find a jockey like henry brooke,kieren burke etc who can ride when walsh is not available.Daryl jacob was at the meeting why not use him !

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