Paul Nicholls: All the info you need on my Sandown runners

Weekend Runners / Paul Nicholls / 05 November 2011 / 2

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Will Sandown's hurdles suit Twist Pistol?

"Twist Pistol was lightly disappointing when only fourth at Chepstow for us in April, but we know he is better than that - he won at Pau in January - and his homework strongly suggests he is too. Has now properly acclimatised, done really well in the summer and I am looking forward to sending him chasing after this. "

Four runners on November 5th for Mr Nicholls at Sandown but will there be fireworks or will it be a damp squib?

13:20, 2m Beginners' Chase
Pacha Du Polder
This race has cut up to just two runners. Had just the four starts in France but rounded off there with an eight length win over 2m2f at Auteuil. We start him straight over fences and I very much like what I see of him at home, as he works and jumps really nicely. He has his work cut out on paper as he only gets 8lb off Eradicate, rated 155 over hurdles after a 13 length in the Swinton last time, but I like my horse.

14:25, 2m4f 110yds Handicap Chase
Frankie Figg
Owned by Graham and Andrea Wylie, he is certainly an exciting horse to watch, bowling along in front in his races, jumping extravagantly well in the main. And these tactics have allowed him to win twice at Aintree, beating Nikola by five lengths in the Grand Sefton there in November. He could well go for that race again after this, and this should put him spot on for that. But has run well fresh in the past and he is fit enough to do himself justice.The interesting thing about this horse is that he is a right old stressball at home, so we have been riding him out in earplugs and he has looked a different horse. So, he runs in earplugs here.

15:00, 2m 110yds Handicap Hurdle
Twist Pistol
Had the option of the 2m or the 2m4f handicap hurdle on this card - with there being an inch of rain at Sandown on Thursday night, we take the 2m route - and ought to be capable of making his presence felt off a mark of 119. Slightly disappointing when only fourth at Chepstow for us in April, although he showed ability all the same, but we know he is better than that - he won at Pau in January - and his homework strongly suggests he is too. Has now properly acclimatised, done really well in the summer and I am looking forward to sending him chasing after this.

15:30, 3m 110yds Handicap Chase
Earth Planet
Won at Hereford in June and has returned to run three solid races in defeat, last time out finishing third to the gambled-on Iheardu at Cheltenham. The handicapper has dropped him 2lb and that will hopefully enable him to run his race again, which may be good enough for another placed effort. This will be Harry's first ride around Sandown, and Earth Planet's last run before a well deserved break.

My three best chances this weekend are:

Silvinianco Conti (best chance)
The Minack
Kauto Stone

To bet on Paul's Down Royal double click here.

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kevin forster | 05 November 2011

where is paul nicholls best chances? its not on here yet?
tim | 05 November 2011

which one is your best chance?