Paul Nicholls: My Sunday runners at Fontwell

Paul assesses the chances of his trio of runners in action at Fontwell on Sunday...

13:30 Fontwell
Current Event
Was an intended runner at Exeter on Tuesday but pulled out lame in the morning. However, he appears none the worse for that and takes his chance here. Benefitted from a breathing operation when showing his true form when winning by 18 lengths at Newbury last March and you can expect to see a fitter and sharper horse than when a distant third at Chepstow on his reappearance, as that was always going to be his last hurdle start before going chasing. Had schooled well in preparation before his Tuesday morning problem and this looks a good opportunity for him.

15:15 Fontwell
Aldertune
His form figures may suggest he is consistent and reliable and he is to some extent, winning at Chepstow and putting in a string of placed efforts throughout his career. But he does think about the game and cheekpieces didn't have the required effect when second at Worcester last month, not finding a great deal after the last. But he is what he is, and he could easily win this if on a going day.

15:50 Fontwell
Karinga Dancer
Has shown promise in all three of his bumper starts, putting up his best effort when second at Stratford in April. Is probably not going to be seen to best effect until he gets another summer on his back and we send him chasing but he clearly has ability. Ambion Wood looks the one to beat here though.


We have 15 runners on one of the most competitive weekend's racing of the year, so you simply can't be confident of success for any of them.

But if you ask me what I think my three best chances are, I would nominate click here. But, in truth, they all face very difficult tasks first time up.

Paul Nicholls / 12 Nov 2011