Paul Nicholls: My runners at Sandown and Wincanton

It's a busy Friday for Paul with plenty of horses in competitive action at both Sandown and Wincanton and Kauto galloping at the latter track. Read what the master trainer makes of their chances here

14:20, Sandown
The Pretender
Won a 1m7f bumper in the French provinces but has been pretty disappointing in his three starts in novice hurdles for me, being beaten 23 ½ lengths at Wincanton last time. Let's hope he improves for handicaps but I don't think he is particularly well treated off a mark of 110 on what he has shown so far. But we run him in a tongue tie for the first time, so let's hope that helps, too.

15:30, Sandown
Hoo La Baloo
Was obviously a high-class horse in his pomp - probably running his best race when fourth to Twist Magic in the 2007 Tingle Creek - but stays well enough (he was third in the 2008 and 2010 Whitbreads), and obviously has a decent chance here. Hasn't raced since a fair third to Stewarts House at Newton Abbot in August. Ditcheat is also represented by Red Harbour, who runs in this for local, and a good mate, Dave Staddon, who won this race with Blu Teen last year. He hasn't raced since finishing fourth for me at Chepstow in October and is a tricky sort, but he would be in with a chance if putting his best foot forward. Goes well when fresh.

16:05, Sandown
Hawkes Point
Irish point winner who came good with a six-length win in a Chepstow maiden hurdle over 3m in January. But the handicapper looks to have massively over-reacted to that win by putting him on a mark of 134. All I can say is that I hope he is right, and I am wrong. Harry takes 7lb off.

16:40, Sandown
Gwanako
This race has cut up to just three runners and he would appear to have obvious and excellent claims. Was a 150+ chaser in his prime, and had been in good form in points prior to winning by 14 lengths over course and distance last month. Jody Sole, one of the best 7lb claims in this sphere, takes the ride.


14:35, Wincanton
Oscarslad
It would be fair to say that this winning pointer has disappointed me somewhat this season, failing to get within 41 lengths of the winner in three starts. If you think this is sort of handicap plot, then think again. I sincerely hope that he can be competitive off a mark of just 98, but I clearly can't be confident given his efforts over hurdles so far.

15:45, Wincanton
Opening Batsman
Had very decent bumper form and made his hurdling debut at Folkestone in January, and ran OK in finishing an 11 length fifth to Fourth Estate. The form gives him claims in this race and hopefully he will build upon that run. The longer trip may suit, too.

17:30, Wincanton
Presenting Arms
Improved upon his Plumpton debut when fifth at Taunton last time. Could reach a place if progressing again but is likely to find one or two of these too good.

18:00, Wincanton
Kauto Star gallop
I make this a match between him and Mon Parrain.

Paul Nicholls / 9 Mar 2012