NICHOLLS HAS AINTREE PLAN

AFTER enjoying one of his most memorable Cheltenham Festivals, Paul Nicholls now has his sights on more glory at Aintree.

“It was a Festival that will live long in the memory,” he said. “It was great seeing Frodon and Bryony (Frost) on the front pages of the national papers.

“There are a lot of positives about, so let’s talk about them.”

Frost became the first woman rider to partner a Grade

One winner over fences at the Festival after her victory with Frodon in the Ryanair Chase.

Nicholls, pictured, said: “Clan Des Obeaux (fifth in the Magners Gold Cup) has come back fine. He just got outstayed from the back of the last fence.

“He could have done without that rain on the morning of the race as three and a quarter miles on that ground takes some getting, but he still ran a super race.

“He is only seven and will learn from that experience. You can’t say he didn’t handle the track, but I think he is a little bit better on flatter tracks.

“We will let the dust settle, the Bowl at Aintree is a possibility as threemiles-one around Aintree on a flat track would suit him well, but I’ve just got to speak to the owners.”

The RSA winner Topofthegame, talked of as a worthy candidate for next season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup by Nicholls, has an entry in Betway Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree. Nicholls said: “He is another who we will give another week and then look to make a plan for. “He cantered well on Saturday morning and it is possible he could head to Aintree as he has only had three runs this season.

“I need to have a chat with the owners, but he has taken the RSA well.”

But Aintree is an unlikely target for Frodon.

“I will talk to Paul (Vogt the owner), but he has had five hard races this season and he might have just done enough,” said his trainer.

Having ended Cheltenham with a commanding lead at the head of the jump trainers’ championship, Nicholls is hoping he can further extend his advantage over the next few weeks, as he attempts to secure another title.

He added: “I was ahead going into Cheltenham, but I was a little bit up against it.

“Now I’m £400,000 in front which is a massive lead with six weeks of the season left.

“It’s a nice place to be at this stage of the season and we will keep driving to the end.”