Weekend Racing: Paul Nicholls on his Saturday and Sunday runners

Paul may be having a quiet weekend before the Cheltenham Festival begins on Tuesday, but his Saturday and Sunday runners still provide plenty of interest for bettors.

13:55 Sandown

I run two in this. I can't split them at home and there is only 1lb between them in the weights, so I genuinely don't know which one has the best chance. But they both have definite chances, so let's hope they are both well handicapped!

The Reformer

It would be nice to give Ruby a winner before Cheltenham and The Reformer is a decent prospect. Was runner-up in his first two starts in bumper/hurdles company before getting off the mark when beating subsequent winner Shinrock Hill at Exeter. We stepped him up in trip when a good third at Kempton in January; the ground and trip should suit him here.

San Remo Bello

Won over 2m3f in the French provinces. Finished fourth on his first start for me at Stratford in October and they wouldn't have been ideal conditions for him when he finished second at Fakenham last time, so his run delighted me. The third there has run well in defeat since, and I expect the better ground today will suit us.

14:25 Sandown

Five Dream

Hasn't raced since New Year's Day, so I have a feeling he will need this and improve for the run. And as he is only a little horse, carrying top weight isn't ideal, though Ian takes 3lb off. Disappointed last time but ran well on his earlier starts, when runner at Market Rasen and Ascot. In my opinion he is on far too high a mark off 135 but conditions should suit.

Mon Parrain

Only came to me in late January, so in truth I don't know that much about him or whether he is well handicapped off 133. But he was a clearly a decent horse in France, winning five of his 12 starts over 2m-2m2f, but also being placed over further. But he's unproven over this trip and hasn't run since June and will definitely need this. I have one eye on a 3m handicap at Aintree for him.

15:00 Sandown

Tito Bustillo

Won three races last season but probably ran his best race when third to Bellvano at Newbury. Had a breathing operation in the summer and returned to finish an excellent second in the Elite at Wincanton in November. As with a lot of horses who have had problems with their wind, he probably didn't enjoy the softer ground when slightly disappointing at Taunton next time. I was aiming him for the County Hurdle next week, and that is still the plan, but he may not get in, so he takes his chance here. And on this better ground, I think he will go well and he strikes me as a good each way bet at 20-1, and an even bigger price on Betfair. Is in really good form at home.

15:10 Chepstow

Harry The Viking

Won a maiden point at Larkhill, where a horse of mine that I think a bit of, Mendip Express, finished third. I was impressed with him, and we managed to buy him afterwards - he used to be trained by the same connections that we bought What A Friend off, and now runs for the same syndicate as the Gold Cup outsider, which includes Sir Alex Ferguson and Ged Mason. Is a 3m chaser in the making, will be all the better for the experience and he meets some horses who have already showed a fair standard of form here. But he is a decent prospect, goes nicely at home and I am hopeful of a good showing.

Oscargo

Would have won his only start in a point, but he unseated his rider when clear two out at Bratton Down. But he will definitely need this as he has had loads of little problems.

15:45 Chepstow

Aldertune

I think Timeform were maybe being a bit too harsh on him when calling him "none too keen under pressure" on his chasing debut at Hereford last time. He would have needed that and jumped satisfactorily there, has gone well at Chepstow before, and will love the ground. Clearly has Voramar Two to beat, though.

16:45 Chepstow

Round Tom

Ran well when placed in his first two novices' hurdle over 3m at Ffos Las and over 2m6f at Wincanton. Was slightly disappointing when beaten 16 lengths in a handicap hurdle at Taunton last week. But has been dropped 2lb for that and has come out of the race well, so takes his chance here before going chasing.

15:05 Warwick Sunday

Hawkes Point

Is a half-brother to Alfie Sherrin and won his only start in a point and really pleased me when third to a couple of decent sorts at Ludlow on his hurdling debut. Would certainly have needed that run, and still needs the experience here, but I think he will go well. Probably has Wistow, a wide margin winner of a handicap last time, to beat.

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Place Paul's three best chances as a Multiple by clicking here.

My three best chances for the weekend:

15.00 Sandown - Tito Bustillo (E/W)
15.10 Chepstow - Harry The Viking
15.05 Warwick (Sunday) - Hawkes Point

Nicholls Festival Preview - Betfair Hosted an exclusive Cheltenham Preview Night featuring Paul amongst an illustrious panel. Click here to watch all the videos, selections and banter on a top night.

Paul Nicholls / 12 Mar 2011