Weekend Runners / Paul Nicholls / 01 January 2012 / 2

Paul has eight horses in action at Cheltenham on Sunday. Here's how he expects them to go on the day.

12.30 Cheltenham

Jump City

This looks a very competitive race but Jump City is one of a number in with a chance. Won really well on his reappearance at Exeter, after which we stepped him up in trip and class at Sandown earlier in the month. Although beaten 30 lengths there, he ran ok and there doesn't appear to be a Fingal Bay in here. Is a horse I like.

13.05 Cheltenham

Sonofvic

Delighted me when winning his novice hurdles last season, as this point winner has always been a chaser in the making. And he showed just that when running Grands Crus to two lengths at Newbury, albeit getting 7lb. The winner obviously advertised the merit of that form when winning the Feltham so impressively, meaning we clearly have a Sun Alliance horse on our hands. That said, he is not short of speed so I don't think the step back in trip will be that much of a problem. I fully respect the likes of Solix and Invictus here, but we get weight off them and I have to be hopeful.

13.35 Cheltenham

Earth Planet

Has continued to churn out solid handicap performances since winning at Hereford in June. Last time out he finished fourth over 3m2f at Wincanton. Has a nice racing weight here, particularly given James is claiming 7lb, but the handicapper is not giving us too much help (has been left on a mark of 120) and again looks to have a place chance at best.

14.10 Cheltenham

The Nightingale

As you can see off a mark of 167, this horse is a very hard horse to place. But he is clearly a very smart horse on his day and the more rain the better for him. Has reserved his best efforts for Down Royal, winning there last season and running a blinder when a non-staying third to Quito De La Roque and Sizing Europe over 3m in November. Fell early on at Huntingdon last time, so the important thing for him is to get his confidence back here, but he clearly has the talent to feature.

Ghizao

A really good 2m novice chaser last season, beating Captain Chris by 10 lengths here but arguably running his best race in defeat when making mistakes and still managing to finish two lengths second to Finian's Rainbow at Aintree. Things didn't go his way when we fancied him in the Haldon Gold Cup on his reappearance but he jumped better when a fair 13 length sixth in a competitive handicap over course and distance last time. We persevere over the longer trip here and we have continued to work extensively on his jumping.

14.45 Cheltenham

Tidal Bay

Everyone knows this horse is hugely talented - he showed that when second to Imperial Commander in the Betfair Chase last year - but he certainly isn't the easiest to train. It has always been our intention to give him one spin over hurdles before aiming him at the Argento Chase here next month, a race in which he finished second to Neptune Collonges last year. It would surprise me if he were good enough or fit enough to win this race off a mark of 160, but this fellow is a law unto himself!

Oscargo

Is the only horse to beat Harry The Viking and is an equally progressive individual himself. Unfortunately, the handicapper has recognised that too, and raised him 12lb for his nine length success over course and distance last time. He clearly has to improve again to keep on the winning trail, but I do get the impression there is more to come from him. I was going to go over fences with him, but decided that he was worth another chance to show what he could do over hurdles. One of my best chances of the weekend.

15.20 Cheltenham

Poungach

Quite how this horse is officially rated only 10lb behind Oscar Whisky, I will never know, but the handicapper has certainly forced our hand, so here we are. This is a horse I have always loved and he was undeniably impressive in winning at Sandown last time, but raising him 18lb to a mark of 155 seemed very harsh to me. On official marks he is in with a real shout getting 8lb from Oscar Whisky here, but I am not so sure. I do know that this horse has a future, though, but that he may not realise his potential until he goes chasing. Let's see how he get on here.

Best Chance: Oscargo

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1. Kelvin | 01 January 2012

   Been a big fan of Sonofvic since his debut and on the whole he jumped reasonably well on debut behind Grands Crus. How has his jumping deteriorated since his first run? Did something go wrong?

2. Bill Whyte | 03 January 2012

   Please let ruby ride tidal bay in his next race my father liked this horse and he past away a year to the day and he would have loved this horse to have one more big day left in him.I think ruby is the key to this horse he will have the right riding style for this horse not meaning i no alot about horses but watch every saturday and no this horse hasent had alot of luck in his races by just being beat or not being fit. Has good stable now give him one more chance Bill whyte.

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