Paul Nicholls is “hoping they will all run tidy” as his Ditcheat stable returns from a self-imposed six-day exile this afternoon.
In the wake of a dip in form – the 12-time champion trainer has saddled a below-expectations eight winners from 79 runners since January 1 – Nicholls opted to “regroup” after Greaneteen’s last of five in the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase at Leopardstown last Sunday.
Among a sextet taking part at Newbury today, Clan Des Obeaux seeks to give Nicholls an 11th victory in the Grade 2 Betfair Denman Chase, Hitman faces three opponents in the Grade 2 Game Spirit Chase and Bravemansgame bids to carry top weight in the Betfair Cheltenham Roarcast Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.
