Nicholls talks up Cup hope
AFTER celebrating a remarkable eight winners on Saturday, Paul Nicholls, below, was full of fighting talk about capturing a fifth Cheltenham Gold Cup with Clan Des Obeaux.
The King George VI Chase winner added to that victory in flawless style in the Denman Chase at Ascot.
“He’s only seven years old,” said Nicholls yesterday. “Everyone expects things too soon with these horses and I’d like to think there is more to come over the next couple of years as he gets older and stronger.”
Kauto Star was only a seven-year-old when he won the first of his two Cheltenham Gold Cups for Nicholls in 2007.
“He can’t do more than win and he was very good on Saturday.
“He now quickens up in front, he doesn’t idle in front. He’s learning all the time. He’s a real professional.
“He’s just a mature horse – mentally he’s improved a lot. He’s easier to train.
“We had problems last year, just little immature problems. He’s the finished article now.
The gelding is 9-2 from 7-1 for the chasing crown with Ladbrokes.
He will be a popular winner at the Cotswold track, not only with the punters, but with the followers of Manchester United as he is partowned by their former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Nicholls, successful a record 10 times in the King George VI Chase at Kempton, is already talking about adding to that success.
After Cyrname ran his rivals ragged in the Betfair Ascot Chase, Nicholls said: “This horse, hopefully, will be joining Clan Des Obeaux in next season’s King George.
“He’s done nothing but improve. It’s staggering what he’s achieved this season.”
However, a trip to next month’s Cheltenham Festival is not on the agenda for the seven-yearold as he is unsuited by the left-handed track.
“We’ll try going left-handed one day, we’ll have to,” said Nicholls.
“It was just such an astonishing performance.
“The others got beat by something that was extra special.”