Paul Nicholls: The verdict on my Saturday runners at Sandown and Wincanton

Paul Nicholls
06 January 2017

Betfair Ambassador Paul Nicholls saddles 10 runners on Saturday afternoon

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Paul Nicholls has 10 runners across Sandown and Wincanton on Saturday afternoon and here the Betfair Ambassador talks exclusively about his chances of returning home with a winner or two...

15:00 - Aerial

"Aerial is fresh and well now and has a sporting chance with Jordan Williams again claiming a valuable 7lbs allowance."

Sandown

12:45 - Lifeboat Mona

We have a talented team of mares this season, more than ever before, and Lifeboat Mona is up there with the best of them. She has a good engine and won impressively at Ascot last time.

LIfeboat Mona will be switching to fences at some stage but there is no hurry while she is in such good form over hurdles and she has more than earned a crack at this Listed race. Definite chance.

13:50 - Ulck Du LIn

Can be a bit in and out but is capable of running well and is ridden here by Jack Sherwood who seems to have a happy knack of getting the best out of quirky types.

Ulck Du Lin was second in this race a year ago and can bounce back if he is in the mood.

14:25 - Capitaine

One of a group of lovely young prospects we have for the future. He has lived up to my expectations this season, winning impressively from the front last time at Ascot where he jumped notably well.

This is tougher but I am looking for a big run from Capitaine. I do respect the smart Hereford winner Finian's Oscar, who is stepping down in trip.

15:00 - Rocky Creek

Was getting close to the last chance saloon at Sandown so I was surprised and delighted when he bounced back with a gutsy victory ridden by Jack Sherwood where he travelled and jumped with a lot of his old enthusiasm. We've sent him hunting several times this winter with obvious benefits.

While Rocky Creek remains in good form he does stay well so it's possible that dropping back in trip to three miles is not ideal for him.

15:00 - Aerial

Returned from almost two years off with a spirited success in a competitive handicap at Fontwell where he was very well ridden by Jordan Williams. I then ran him a bit too quickly at Kelso but I had to send him there to qualify for this valuable final of the excellent Veterans Chase series which was always the plan for him.

Aerial is fresh and well now and has a sporting chance with Jordan again claiming a valuable 7lbs allowance.

Wincanton

14:05 - Orbasa

My horses rarely need their first two runs so I've been astounded at the amount of work Orbasa has needed to get fit after doing himself much too well over the summer. He was a bit like the naughty boy who ate all the pies.

He ran better last time at Ascot before tiring turning for home and I think he is getting there now.

I'm putting blinkers on Orbasa to sharpen him up and will be disappointed if he doesn't show marked improvement.

14:40 - Favorito Buck's

Has been undeniably disappointing despite being given plenty of time since joining us and needs to relax to start showing his true colours.

He has always jumped well so I am hoping this switch to fences will see him in a new light.

15:50 - Anchor Man

Won on his debut for us at Exeter before finding the company a bit too hot to handle next time at Cheltenham at this early stage of his career.

This is a more suitable target though a 7lbs penalty doesn't help.

15:50 - Black Valentine

A staying chaser in the making he won nicely at this track on his debut for us and probably needs three miles already to bring out the best in him.

He is still learning about racing and a 7lbs penalty makes life tougher for him.

15:50 - The Last But One

Joined us from Ireland in the summer after showing promise when finishing second in a bumper for Gordon Elliott.

This is a handy starting point for The Last But One who shows some promise at home.