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Saturday at Taunton is in the balance
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Ditcheat stable stars update
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Nicholls' horses may miss Betfair Hurdle
As you may have noticed, the UK has been freezing this week, so how has this affected Team Ditcheat's plans?
"Our gallops man has done a fantastic job keeping the all-waether gallops open. Because it has been dry we have been able to carry on as normal at home. But because of the frost we have not run anything."
"We have a few entries tomorrow, including Fire Flyer at Taunton, but it has got to be in the balance. Next weekend at Cheltenham and Doncaster is our focus"
Watch Paul Nicholls' Ditcheat Decs
Bravemansgame is going straight to Cheltenham
Paul provided an update about his plans for his yard's biggest names.
He said: "I saw them all work yesterday and today and, touch wood, they are all in good shape.
"Stay Away Fay and Hermes Allen are fine. Hitman is due to run next weekend.
"Bravemansgame is having a little break and is going straight to Cheltenham. We were looking at the Betfair Denman Chase but we are not going to do that. I spoke to his owners, and my team, and we are taking him straight to the Festival.
"He is having an easier time and so is Stage Star. I don't want to run him too soon. Captain Teague will probably not run until Cheltenham if he runs in the Albert Bartlett."
Betfair Hurdle may be one to watch for Nicholls
The weights for the Betfair Hurdle on 17 February were revealed this week and Ditcheat horse Rubaud was at the top of the list.
Paul said: "Rubaud and Blueking d'Oroux are first and second top weights in the Betfair Hurdle.
"I don't want to run them off top weights. I don't think they will win a handicap off those marks.
"The National Spirit at Fontwell could be a nice race for Blueking d'Oroux.
"For Rubaud, I will look at Cheltenham next weekend. If not he will go to Wincanton."
"It's a shame but we might have to watch the Betfair Hurdle from the sidelines this year."