Nicholls' Weekend Runners: The Timeform Review

As already mentioned in this column, January is traditionally a quiet month for Paul Nicholls, with the majority of his horses coming back from their bi-annual flu jabs. Whilst Paul did not find himself in the winners' enclosure, it is worth stressing that his horses are still running to form...

Bold Chief (Timeform master rating of 110p) and Oscarslad (75+) were the two Nicholls representatives at Fontwell last Thursday and they finished second and seventh respectively in a 23f novice hurdle. Thursday's was a pleasing result for Bold Chief and he should improve for his hurdling debut having travelled well up for most of the way before being narrowly touched off in the final stages. He might have won had he started his run sooner and he remains a decent prospect for the future.

Oscarslad, on the other hand, was having his third start over hurdles and looks one for handicaps now he has qualified for a BHA rating. He could not be ruled out in that sphere given his connections, but the way he has finished his race on all three occasions remains a slight concern.

Domtaline(?) and American Trilogy (133) were the two other Nicholls runners last week and the duo contested the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday. It was a typically competitive renewal of the two-mile-five-furlong handicap and, of the pair, it was American Trilogy who fared best in fifth having travelled kindly up until three out before his effort petered out going to the last. The County Hurdle, which he won in 2009, could be next on the agenda for the eight-year-old and, on this showing, he looks to have a live chance, especially when considering the improvement he tends to find on an anti-clockwise track.

Domtaline was pulled up after three out when left behind by the principals, but it didn't look as though he was beaten by the trip. He should stay two and a half miles in future, and it may have been quicker than ideal conditions that were a more contributing factor to his downfall on Saturday.

If we take a look at 12 months ago, Nicholls had fewer winners in the January period than would normally be the case. Minella Stars and Carlicue were the champion's only winners in the same week last term, but that pair both started odds-on favourites and were entitled to their victories. As Nicholls has explained, the majority of his horses are coming back from their flu jabs at present and the yard can be expected the yard to have more runners/winners towards the end of this month and the start of February.

Timeform / 16 Jan 2012