Paul Nicholls has done an exceptional job to claim the trainers title after trainers title in recent years, despite a relatively barren spell at the Cheltenham Festival. So much prize money is on offer over the four days and his main rival Nicky Henderson gets plenty of it. I have a feeling that this is his year and Nicholls can put himself back on the map at Cheltenham. With this in mind, we’ve picked out four of his potential runners that can get the job done.
Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing. You can also take a look at our free bets page for sign up offers that can boost your Cheltenham betting.
Unbeaten in three starts over hurdles, the six-year-old gelding is currently favourite for the Ballymore. It’s rare to not see an Irish-trained candidate at the head of the market, but his position is justified. He won a Grade 1 back in December and the form has worked out extremely well. Likely to make a smashing chaser next year, he has a cracking chance of winning this first.
This horse has been hugely progressive of late and has won his last three starts. There should be plenty more to come and it’s unlikely that the handicapper has him in their grasp just yet. The Coral Cup is his primary target but he has the option of the Martin Pipe if he doesn’t get in. Whichever race he ends up in, there’s every chance of a massive run.
Winner of the King George on Boxing Day, this horse has long been the apple of his trainer’s eye. Nicholls believes this horse is a serious contender and his best chance of winning the Gold Cup since the mighty Kauto Star. He’ll need to prove he has the stamina for the job but he looks like Britain’s best chance.
Extremely talented on his day, connections have taken the Hunter Chase route this year. Secret Investor beat Clan Des Obeaux in the Denman Chase back in 2021 but a bad injury put him out of action for 650 days. If the ground stays good he looks set to have every chance as he brings a touch of class.
If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.