'He's worked beautifully' – Paul Nicholls' best bet on Cheltenham Trials Day
PAUL NICHOLLS is desperate for revenge for Il Ridoto at Cheltenham – after his top pursuer was denied in a thriller last time out.
Bryony Frost and Il Ridoto rode one of the finishes of the season when they went against Gavin Sheehan and Fugitif in the Virgin Bet Gold Cup last month.
But the Ditcheat maestro is confident his seven-year-old can do better in the Paddy Power Cheltenham Countdown Podcast Handicap Chase.
The win is worth more than £56,000 and Harry Cobden will take the saddle in place of Frost on Saturday.
Honestly Ambassador Nicholls says Il Ridoto has shown the right signs at home – he just needs to take him to the racecourse.
Nicholls said: “He seems to be doing his best for Cheltenham and won this race a year ago with a score of 138.
“He is now 10lb higher after setting a career high when he was just in Fugitif's final step in December's Gold Cup after looking like the winner to land over the final hurdle with a clear lead.
“Il Ridoto has worked beautifully at home, looks great and should have a great chance.
“It's a tough call, but I prefer Il Ridoto as my best chance of the weekend. He's excelling at Cheltenham.”
It's a huge weekend of action with Doncaster's card as a great support act for Cheltenham's Trials Day blockbuster.
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Nicholls also manages Hitman, huge Brown Advisory opportunity Stay Away Fay and Sir Alex Ferguson's exciting Isaac Des Obeaux in the home of jumps.
But one entry that catches Donny's eye is Welcome To Cartries.
Lorcan Williams gets an edge over the six-year-old, owned by Johnny de la Hey, who is full of promise.
And Nicholls said of his chances: “He won his only point-to-point event in Ireland and has shown great promise over hurdles at Ascot in his first two starts for us.
“The experience he gained from being narrowly defeated on his hurdles debut was put to good use as he won beautifully next time just before Christmas.
“He worked in style on Thursday morning, will enjoy the step to five kilometers and has a chance of a tough race.”
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