Paul Nicholls is the odds-on favourite to win another trainer’s title, as he chases down Martin Pipe’s record. I struggle to see the trophy heading to Ditcheat however, as Nicky Henderson isn’t too far behind as we speak. The major spring festivals are still to come and that is where the tide is going to turn. Henderson is surely well placed to make a strong challenge for the title between now and the end of the season. Why not check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
You can currently back Paul Nicholls to win the trainer’s title at 1-2 and that is poor value. Nicky Henderson had a somewhat below-par season by his own standards last term and it’s been a little different this time around. This is why his best available odds of 13-8 are much more appealing.
Henderson’s prize money total is £1,484,801 at time of writing, less than £350,000 behind Paul Nicholls’ total of £1,827,837. Dan Skelton currently sits second in the table but Henderson will surely catch him soon.
Cheltenham and Aintree are going to be key and will probably be the deciding factor. Whilst Nicholls had two Grade 1 winners at the Cheltenham Festival last year, it’s entirely plausible that he could draw a blank this time around. Nicky Henderson is as good as guaranteed to win the Champion Hurdle and Sir Gino is many people’s idea of a banker in the Triumph Hurdle.
If Constitution Hill lines up in the Aintree Hurdle in April, it’s very difficult to see him getting beaten there either. These big prize money races will make the difference at the business end of the season and Henderson just has better chances of winning them. The title is heading to Seven Barrows this season and 13-8 is a fair price.
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