Nicholls' Weekend Runners: The Timeform Review

With a week to go until the Grand National and even less before Denman and Big Buck's Are due to line up in their respective races, the yard showed they are in good form with a winner at Chepstow on Saturday.

The first Nicholls-trained runner of the meeting was Twist Pistol, who was making his British debut in the opening novice hurdle. Despite winning on his only start over obstacles when last seen at Pau in January, a break of two months and a tendency to pull hard proved his undoing at Chepstow, as he eventually faded to finish seventh of the 14 runners. However, Twist Pistol was still prominent between the last two hurdles and, under the excusable circumstances, his potential remains intact.

Another whose potential is very much intact is Rangitoto, who confirmed the promise of his debut when winning the second novice hurdle on the card. Again travelling strongly, Rangitoto had the end-product this time and ultimately ran out a comfortable winner from the consistent Baile Anrai. Although there was no sign of the breathing problem that he reportedly suffered on his penultimate start, the trainer has stated that he will have a wind operation in the summer, and he remains one to follow next season.

The competitive handicap hurdle saw the yard saddle two fancied runners but neither made the impact that the market suggested they would. Firstly R de Rien Sivola, who had been off over 16 months before falling on her return over fences in January, ran well below form after a further two-month break. According to Nicholls, this run was to be used as a stepping stone to a return to chasing but it remains to be seen whether she can recapture the highs of her first three chase starts after such a long time on the sidelines. That'lldoboy, who started 5/1 favourite, was also well beaten after failing to pick up and likewise has something to prove now.

The final runner of the day was Themilanhorse, who put up a slightly improved performance for the second consecutive time when contesting the bumper but could only manage fourth. In truth, he didn't appear to have the speed to go with the principals, yet he remains a good prospect for when upped in trip and tackling hurdles.

Timeform / 4 Apr 2011