Paul Nicholls: The lowdown on my three Ascot runners

Weekend Runners / Paul Nicholls / 16 December 2011 / 1

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Will it be a happy Paul at Ascot?

"If the handicapper is correct then Pacha du Polder should be winning this - he is officially rated 150, and is getting weight all round - but I don't think winning this race is that straightforward at all."

A trio of up-and-coming horses run at Ascot for Paul on Friday. Read his full and frank verdict on all three here.

12:45, Ascot
Rocky Creek
Unfortunately an abscess on his back blew up overnight, so we have had to withdraw him this morning.

14:30, Ascot
Pacha du Polder
Signed off in France when winning a 4yo hurdle over 2m2f at Enghien in heavy ground by eight lengths. We have always liked him since he came to us after that March win and he delighted me when just getting the better of smart hurdler Eradicate in a match at Sandown, as he jumped really well and showed a great attitude. If the handicapper is correct then Pacha du Polder should be winning this - he is officially rated 150, and is getting weight all round - but I don't think winning this race is that straightforward at all. I would question that lofty rating, and actually I will go even further and say it is ludicrous to rate this horse on a mark of 150 after just one run in this country in a two runner race. Eradicate won at 2-9 next time and was then beaten 23 lengths off levels by Al Ferof. Is Al Ferof a 170 horse over fences then?
Anyway, the likes of Chablais, Frascati Park and Michael Flips are no mean performers themselves here. But the longer trip and softer ground should suit my horse, and let's say I am hopeful rather than confident.

15:05, Ascot
Sir Du Bearn
Winner of his only hurdle start in France, he made a satisfactory chasing debut for me at Warwick last November. But it has been niggle after niggle with him ever since (he threw a splint, and then had a pelvic injury, among the problems) but he is starting to come right. I would like to think that he will be better than a 128 rated horse in time, but this race is simply a starting point for him, as he will show his best when he goes chasing and he will need this to sharpen up. This looks a really competitive handicap hurdle, too.

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Anonymous | 16 December 2011

True Mr. Nicholls. Pascha Du Polder is a very ordinairy horse, who down the line MAYBE will be able to win a little handicap ..... off 105 instead of 150