‘He’s the apple of my eye’ – Paul Nicholls nominates his stars for the season

Paul Nicholls may be lacking superstars to go to war with this term but the 14-time champion trainer is always building for the future. With that in mind, most of the horses he has nominated as potential stars in his Racing Post stable tour are ones for the future. We’ve selected four horses that he is most excited to unleash. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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Caldwell Potter

This very expensive purchase is yet to make his debut for Nicholls but it’s fair to say he’s looking forward to unleashing him.

Nicholls said: ‘Whether it’s on looks, form or pedigree, this horse is hard to fault – he’s clearly an exciting prospect and I can’t wait to run him over fences. Although his Irish form tells you he’s a high-class young hurdler, he’s been bought by his new owners with a chasing career in mind – they’d love nothing more than see him line up for the Gold Cup in a couple of years’ time – so we’re not wasting any more time over hurdles.’

Captain Teague

Winner of the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle last term, things didn’t go to plan at the Festival but his trainer is definitely keeping the faith.

He said: ‘He’s in grand order and just about ready to make his debut over fences, when he’ll be suited by a stiff two and a half miles or an easy three; he’ll always appreciate some cut in the ground. A few weeks after Cheltenham he had a breathing operation and I remain firm in my belief he is one of our best novice chase prospects this winter.’

Ginny’s Destiny

One of Nicholls’ best performers last term, he finished second in two Grade 1 novice chases in the spring.

His trainer said: ‘He goes for the Paddy Power Gold Cup on Saturday week and I fancy him strongly. Some of his brilliant homework mid-season reminded me of Master Minded. It was a tall ask stepping into Graded company for the first time in the Grade 1 Turners, but he ran another blinder to see off all except Grey Dawning. I think he’ll get three miles, so he’ll have an entry for the King George.’

Kalif Du Berlais

Big things are expected from this horse and he could go to the top.

Nicholls said: ‘He’s always been the apple of my eye and looks to have summered particularly well. As a model, he’s as fine a chasing prospect as you’re likely to see. I don’t see any point hanging around over hurdles with a horse who is already crying out for fences. He’s one of a number of fine chasing prospects we’re lucky to have this season and I think the sky’s the limit for him.’

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