Paul Nicholls

Paul Nicholls' Ditcheat Decs: The final push at Sandown on Saturday

Betfair ambassador Paul Nicholls
Paul has 15 runners at Sandown on Saturday

Betfair ambassador Paul Nicholls talks to Barry Orr ahead of the last day of the National Hunt season with Team Ditcheat runing 15 at Sandown.

  • Watch Paul Nicholls discuss his final day 15

  • Greaneteen has a good chance in Celebration Chase

  • Frodon fresh ahead of Gold Cup challenge


There was no question about where to start the conversation with Paul Nicholls ahead of Saturday's season finale at Sandown.

It had to be Greaneteen and Jonbon in the 'Celebration Chase' at 13:40.

Paul said: "It looks a good race. Jonbon was beaten at Cheltenham and then raced at Aintree (winning the Maghull Novices Chase).

"Greaneteen hasn't run since he was third in the Champion Chase. He made an uncharacteristic mistake at the top of the hill and did very well to finish third.

"He is in good shape, he loves Sandown and he loves this time of year. I think we have a good chance.

Frodon leads three-pronged Gold Cup challenge

In the feature race - the Gold Cup at 14:15 - Paul runs three.

He said: "The race will suit Frodon. It's a dry forecast from now. He's good in handicaps. He ran very well last time at Kempton. I have kept him fresh since then and he is in good shape.

Paul Nicholls Frodon 1280.png

"Enrilo has been slightly disappointing. We have done a lot with him since he ran at Kempton and it was too soft. I am expecting a big show from him.

"Broken Halo has won two softish races. He has it all to do here but he does like Sandown.

"Enrilo and Frodon are the ones to concentrate on."

Pair take on Hewick in Oaksey

MacFabulous and Solo both run for Paul in the Oaksey Chase at 14:50 and he said:

"McFabulous is coming back from disappointing runs at Kempton where the ground was too soft and one at Newbury. He seems ok now, like Sandown and wouldn't want too much rain.

"Solo won the Pendil and that has worked out really well.

"Hewick [ridden by Betfair ambassador Rachael Blackmore] looks the one to beat... It will be an interesting race."

Finally, a quick word on the opening race, in which Paul runs three.

"Harry Cobden was deliberating all week about which to ride and he has taken Killaloan.

"Holetown Hero has been running very well and is not without an each-way chance.

"Beau Balko won well at Sandown in February and race very nicely the other day at Stratford."

Watch Paul's video in full with Barry Orr

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