OBEAUX IS WELL TUNED
NICHOLLS BULLISH AS DUAL KING GEORGE HERO HEADS TO HAYDOCK
PAUL NICHOLLS is confident about putting one in the back of net for Sir Alex Ferguson when Clan Des Obeaux carries his silks in Saturday’s Betfair Chase.
The trainer insists the Haydock contest, which will have a maximum field of five, is not just a prep for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
“We’ve set out to win the Betfair Chase and not just get him ready for Kempton,” said Nicholls, seeking a seventh victory in the race. “He’s got a big chance.”
Clan Des Obeaux will need to be at the top of his game with Cheltenham Gold Cup third Lostintranslation, winner of last year’s Betfair Chase, lining up. “He’s probably the biggest danger,” said Nicholls.
Lostintranslation heads the sponsors betting at 5- 4 with the 2017 and 2018 winner Bristol De Mai at 7- 4, Clan Des Obeaux at 3- 1, Bellshill 25- 1 and Warren Greatrex’s Keeper Hill at 33- 1. Sam
Twiston- Davies, who rode Clan Des Obeaux in last season’s King George, will renew his partnership with the gelding on Saturday.
“He’s probably at his peak. He looks a different horse,” added Nicholls. “He schooled very nicely under Sam on Monday and he’s going to ride him on Saturday as Harry ( Cobden) is going to Ascot.
“If Cyrname gets to Kempton on Boxing Day, Harry will ride him there.”
Despite Nicholls’ belief that Clan Des Obeaux can better his fourth place behind Bristol De Mai in the 2018 renewal he will not be targeting him at the Gold Cup.
“Cheltenham just isn’t his favourite track. Cyrname will go for the King George and then be trained for the Gold Cup.”
Gold Cup runner- up Santini has not taken up his Betfair Chase entry and will now return in next month’s Many Clouds Chase at Aintree. “I never thought Haydock was likely to be his track.”