Paul Nicholls: Ruby returns ... and he's looking good

The main man is back at Ditcheat! Read what he's been up to this week as the stable prepares in earnest for the Cheltenham Festival

It was great to welcome Ruby back to the team when he walked through the gates on Monday morning, and we have certainly kept him busy since.

And I can reveal here that he partnered Kauto Star in a racecourse gallop with Master Minded (Daryl Jacob), Sam Winner (Harry Skelton) and Robinson Collonges (Ian Popham) on Tuesday morning.

Clive Smith was on hand to watch the workout and Kauto Star went with Master Minded, and I was particularly pleased with Kauto, though they all went nicely and I was delighted with all four. They did a nice piece of work over 2m, with Robinson going with Sam.

Sam Winner needed the breeze out and enjoyed himself, and in many ways Robinson is very much a forgotten horse.

I see Wishfull Thinking is one of the favourites for the Jewson but don't forget that Robinson Collonges would have probably beaten him in the Rising Stars at Wincanton in February and we were giving him 6lb that day; we go for the Jewson and he has come back well.

But back to Ruby.

After he schooled Kauto, Master Minded, Big Buck's and Sam Winner on Monday, we went to a bar-restaurant called The Chapel in Bruton for "An Evening With Paul and Ruby". We had a talk and a chat about Cheltenham, sold a few of our books and had a good time.

Then we did the racecourse gallop on Tuesday morning, and after we came back Ruby schooled Aiteen Thirtythree, Definity, Al Ferof, Niche Market and Rock On Ruby.

He looks really fit and sharp - he has kept himself in good shape - and the idea is to ease him back with one ride at Newbury tomorrow, and three or four on Saturday.

You can read what I think about the chances of Don't Turn Bach here at 8am tomorrow, as well as all my other Friday runners.

Paul Nicholls / 3 Mar 2011