Weekend Runners / Paul Nicholls / 19 February 2011 / 2

It's a huge day of racing in Berkshire on Saturday with the Betfair Ascot Chase the highlight. Pride of Dulcote is Paul's hope in the big one but he has a handful of others on the card, here are his thoughts on them all

13:20
Sonofvic: Would have won both his points but for unseating on the first occasion, and delighted me when winning on his hurdling debut at Chepstow. The form of that race has worked out well - the second and fourth have won since, and the third has run well in defeat in decent company - and Sonofvic, a brother to Aiteen Thirtythree, is a horse that I think a fair bit of. He is very much next year's horse in that he is still a bit lean and light, but he is a very decent prospect. Steps up in class to take on some smart horses here but hopefully he won't disgrace himself.

13:50
The Minack: Is a bit like Big Buck's in that he only does enough, no matter what the company, and he tends to pull himself up in front. So I wasn't too surprised when he wasn't overly impressive in winning at odds of 1-4 in a three runner race at Warwick last time. But I don't doubt his class, the longer trip here will suit and any rain would be a bonus, too. Has a big chance. Beat one of his three rivals today, Master Of The Hall, by 15 lengths over hurdles at Huntingdon last February.

14:25
Breedsbreeze: Nearly fell at the first at Ascot last time, and never really got into the race. So his third to Tatenen there, albeit beaten 16 lengths, was probably a very fair effort in the circumstances. As you would expect of a Feltham winner, the return to 3m will suit him and I think he has a great chance in a competitive race. His reappearance run, when ½ length second to Tartak in the rearranged Peterborough at Newbury, showed that much of his Grade 1 winning class still remains.

15:00
Pride of Dulcote: Many people seem to think the trip isn't ideal for him and that he has a lot to prove in this company - and they may be right. Perhaps he may not be good enough today. But D-Day is at Cheltenham next month, not today, and arguably the most important aspect of his running here is gaining experience. He has only had the two runs over fences, and he needs more match practice. I don't read anything into the fact that Punchestowns has not advertised the form of his Newbury win - Pride Of Dulcote won there despite that being his first proper gallop of the season - and we think he is a live Gold Cup hope in a very open year on what he shows us at home, and on the track. Remember he finished second to subsequent Sun Alliance winner Weapon's Amnesty in the 2009 Albert Bartlett. Obviously, the King George runner-up Riverside Theatre is the one to beat but, being honest, I don't see much else that scares me; Breedsbreeze was ½ length second to Tartak, who is probably going to be the third favourite here, at Newbury and we think we know the relative merits of our two horses.

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15:35
Like Minded: We won this race with Beshabar last season and Like Minded could go well here. I thought he was fit enough to do himself justice on his reappearance at Kempton - in fact, I quietly fancied him - but he needed the run more than I thought. But he travelled well to 2 out there and I think you will see a much fitter and improved horse today. Is on a fair mark judged on his second to Manyriverstocross last season, but wouldn't want too much rain.

16:05
Polisky: Finished one place and 3 lengths ahead of Cedre Bleu when second at Autueil in September, and I think Cedre Bleu has advertised the form well - I think he was beaten by a very good horse in Spirit Son at the weekend. Polisky won't run at Cheltenham this year as he is very much a horse for the future but what I can tell you is that he did a good piece of work with Silviniaco Conti on Wednesday morning - and he was at Shepton Mallet before we could pull him up! Granted, Silviniaco is not the greatest homeworker, but I am only going to run this horse in decent races. And he meets a good rival in the shape of Sprinter Sacre here. But we get 14lb from him, and we'll take our chances.

My Three Best Chances Today:
13:50 - Ascot - The Minack
15:00 - Ascot - Pride of Dulcote
14:35 - Wincanton - Carlicue

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1. John Kimber | 19 February 2011

   Im really excited by Silviniaco Conti and his form when beating Captain Chris by ten lengths and Karabak by seven lengths is tip top albeit over a 1/2 mile longer than today and the C/H. Im a bit surprised more use wasn't made of him at Cheltenham last time. My strong advise is to back him today for the C/H with one of the forms that is NR NB (Bet365 Ladbrokes Skybet or Sportingbet best price 33/1 with Bet365) and if he wins today or runs really well his odds will plummet and if he doesn't and Nicholls saves him for Aintree you will get your money back. Certainly a value bet if there ever was one

2. Anonymous | 19 February 2011

   hi paul,great job your doing by the way,
   was wondering are you going to put up your best chances today?

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