Nicholls' Weekend Runners: The Timeform Preview

Although Aintree has undoubtedly been a thorough success for the Nicholls team with high-profile wins from Buck's, Zarkandar and Master Minded, are things set to get even better on Saturday with the yard set to saddle four representatives in the Grand National?

The first Nicholls runners to take centre stage on Saturday are Rock On Ruby, Sam Winner and Rebel Rebellion in the opening Grade 2 novice hurdle (13:45). There's little doubt Rock On Ruby is the most likely of the trio to trouble Cue Card and Spirit Son after his determined second in the Baring Bingham at Cheltenham last time and he certainly has a winning chance. However, with Sam Winner an eye-catching fourth in the Triumph and Rebel Rebellion steadily improving, it wouldn't be a surprise to see any of the yard's horses fighting out the finish of what looks a very competitive renewal.

The trainer relies on Ghizao in the Maghull Novices' Chase (14:15), but it would appear that he has his work cut out to reverse the Arkle form with Finians Rainbow, with this flat track likely to suit the latter's free-going nature more than Cheltenham. That said, Ghizao is clear next best of the figures and should go well again.

The Aintree Hurdle (14:50) looks a top quality contest this year with Binocular and Peddler's Cross in the line up, leaving Celestial Halo with a bit of improvement to find should the principals both run to form. Celestial Halo was going well in the corresponding race last year before making a mistake at the second last, however, and after producing some very good efforts this year, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him run well if being allowed the luxury of an uncontested lead.

In the following handicap chase, Take The Breeze (15:25), who has disappointed on his last two starts, has the chance to get back on track. With Ruby Walsh back on board and the yard clearly going well, he has each-way prospects in what looks an open race.

Now the main event, the Grand National (16:15), and it appears the yard have a great chance of finally winning it this year. Timeform ratings suggest the horse who leads their quintet is What A Friend, who's undoubtedly very well-handicapped on his career-best Gold Cup fourth and, if the blinkers work again, he's certain capable of going extremely close. That said, it's no secret that he's not straightforward and it remains to be seen whether he takes to such a demanding challenge, so caution has to be advised. Back-up comes primarily in the shape of Niche Market, who has been discarded by Ruby Walsh, but is reunited with Harry Skelton, the jockey who partnered him to win the 2009 Irish Grand National. This has been Niche Market's target since the start of the season and he must have a solid place chance off a handicap mark 3 lb lower than when pulling up in the race last year. Whilst What A Friend and Niche Market have leading chances, it has to be said that the yard's other two runners have little more than small each-way chances at best, with Ornais looking out of his depth and The Tother One looking a very hard ride of late.

When the champagne has been sprayed and the dust finally settles, Tito Bustillo is set to line up in a typically competitive handicap hurdle for conditional jockeys (17:00). Titio Bustillo was very disappointing last time at Sandown, and, although the trainer issued a pre-race warning over how the horse would handle the gluey ground, there must have been other factors in his dismal performance. If he can put that performance behind him and recapture the form of his first two starts this season, he's not without a chance in a very open contest.

Away from Aintree, Nicholls also sends runners to Chepstow on Saturday. Valentine Vic (15:10), who was reportedly treated for a breathing problem prior to his first run for over a year, again weakened rapidly when falling at Newbury in February and has a lot to prove now. Sin Bin (17:55), a horse bred to show his best over hurdles and fences, makes his debut in the concluding bumper and it will be interesting to see how he fares.

A successful week comes to a close on Sunday with a raft of runners due to line up at Ascot, Wincanton and Ludlow.

At the first-named track, Aerial (14:35), who won well on his British debut in February, looks to have a great chance to add to that victory in the novice chase. He's followed by Rock of Deauville (15:10), who, despite making mistakes, produced his best performance over hurdles when sixth in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham. However, he will need to improve to reverse the form with Dhaafer and Jubail, who both finished ahead of him at the Festival, and a better chance may come with Blu Teen in the 16:20, whose main rival Ma Yahab is a notably tricky ride. The final Ascot runner is Just Amazing, who has strong claims of resuming winning ways in what looks a weak hunter chase (17:30).

At Wincanton, San Remo Bello (14:10) is top-rated for the novice hurdle and looks the best chance of a winner as Rivaliste (15:55), who goes in handicap chase, needs to get his jumping back on track after unseating his jockey last time.

Finally, two go to Ludlow where Pepe Simo (14:55) is the best horse in his small field and should go well. Five Dream is also the best horse in his race, but has had big problems with his jumping of late and it remains to be seen if he can improve his technique.

Timeform / 8 Apr 2011