Nicholls' Week Ahead: The Timeform Preview

Timeform assess some of the more interesting Nicholls entries over the coming week, with the champion trainer looking to have a very strong hand for this weekend's Open Meeting at Cheltenham...

Ruben Cotter gets things underway for Nicholls this week when making his debut in a novice hurdle at Exeter on Wednesday afternoon. His point form and pedigree alike suggests that he could develop into a smart performer in time and he starts off in a contest that looks entirely winnable, with Nigel Twiston-Davies' Trafalgar currently heading the Timeform ratings but a little below the average standard usually required for a success. Ruben Cotter may well need the run but he could be one to follow in the long term.

The Knoxs makes his debut for Nicholls in the very next race and he is the one to beat based on Timeform ratings, with the eight-year-old judged 4 lb superior to his nearest rival. The Knoxs demonstrated useful ability during his time with Howard Johnson, but, given his lightly-raced profile, could be set for a year of improvement, whether it be over hurdles or back over fences.

Opening Batsman and Karinga Bay are due to lock horns in the bumper at Taunton on Thursday, with the latter currently heading the Timeform ratings. Karinga Bay has already demonstrated form in advance of what would normally be required to win a similar contest and is taken as the most likely winner, but Opening Batsman showed plenty of speed in points and could be the more interesting long-term prospect.

The Open Meeting at Cheltenham gets underway on Friday and Crack Away Jack is a fascinating entry in the handicap chase, having recently made the switch to Nicholls from Emma Lavelle. Crack Away Jack was a high-class hurdler, finishing fourth in the 2009 renewal of the Champion Hurdle, but he has yet to demonstrate similar form in five tries over fences. A breathing operation and change of scenery could be enough to revitalise this very talented individual and there is every chance that he is well treated if able to produce something like his best.

Prospect Wells is also due to run at Cheltenham on Friday and is entered in what looks to be a strong Grade 2 Sharp Novices' Hurdle. Prospect Wells demonstrated smart ability on the Flat, with the pick of his form coming in 2008 when second behind Montmartre in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris, and he looked good when taking a novice at Chepstow last month. Prospect Wells travelled and jumped enthusiastically that day, putting the race to bed with relative ease and, given his openness to progression, would have every chance of serving it up to the likes of Jessica Harrington's Step to Freedom.

Hinterland will be the yard's first runner on a busy Saturday afternoon at Cheltenham if lining up in the Triumph Hurdle trial at 13:20. Hinterland was the impressive winner of the Prix Wild Monarch Hurdle at Auteuil in May when in the care of Guillaum Macaire and he could develop into a useful performer this term, although it has been reported that Hinterland is expected to come into his own when tried over fences.

The PP Gold Cup is the racing highlight this weekend and Nicholls is currently triple-handed with Mon Parrain, Poquelin and Aerial all entered. Mon Parrain looks to have the greatest chance of the three given his progressive profile and he could be relatively well handicapped considering the ability he threatened last season. Mon Parrain was an ultra-impressive winner of a three mile chase at Sandown last March before running well for much of the Topham Chase, only to tire in the closing stages and finish second behind course specialist Always Waining. He jumped immaculately on both occasions, and this strong travelling type promises to be well suited by Prestbury Park.

Poquelin disappointed on his seasonal return, but that Charlie Hall Chase effort seemed to confirm he doesn't stay three miles and he does have a good record at Cheltenham. Top weight will be the biggest stumbling block for him, however.

The ex-French Aerial completes the Nicholls line up. Aerial made two starts for the stable last spring, opening his account in handicap at Wincanton, before finishing second in a novice at Ascot. He probably has more to offer this season and wouldn't be without a chance of reaching the frame.

Al Ferof looks set to make his chasing debut at Cheltenham on Sunday in the Grade 2 November Novices' Chase. Al Ferof was the impressive winner of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last season and he has the potential to figure amongst the very best novice chasers this term. He will be difficult to beat and a crack at the Grade 1 Arkle Chase is his most likely long-term target.

Salubrious is likely to round things off for the champion trainer on Sunday as he is entered the bumper that closes the meeting.This will be his first run for Nicholls since being bought by Andy Stewart and David Johnson and, having shown ability to land a similar race at Stratford in September, he deserves his place in the line up. Alan King's Montbazon is currently Timeform top-rated for the contest having demonstrated useful form when finishing second at the Aintree Grand National Festival in March, but, with a switch to hurdles more likely for that one, Salubrious isn't far off the standard required.

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Timeform give an update on their Horses to Follow in every edition of their 'Extra' publication. Timeform Horses to Follow Extra is published ten times a season to coincide with the big National Hunt meetings. The Cheltenham Open meeting edition features no less than five big-race previews, as well as numerous other winner-finding features. Download your copy now from timeform.com.

Timeform / 9 Nov 2011