Hinterland - Arkle or QM

I think it will be ground dependent. If it's drying out then I think Nicholls will send him to the CC. Massive place claims in a sub standard renewal and could even win it. Having said that with only half a dozen Arkle runners that looks ripe as well. I would wager he'll end up in the CC if there's not a deluge between now and then.

Nicholls unlikely to run both Dodging Bullets and Hinterland in the Arkle.  Given also that Hinterland won at Sandown in December in a time a couple of seconds faster than Sire De Grugy's winning time clocked later that same afternoon (albeit that SdG was carrying a bit more weight), I think Hinterland will go for the Champion Chase.

Nicholls was asked about this on a q&a on Twitter.

@BennyGordon89 I am giving serious consideration to sending Hinterland to Champion Chase given he's a 2nd season novice #AskPaulNicholls

He's not completely conclusive there, but I'd imagine he'll run in the Champion Chase. He has Dodging Bullets for the Arkle and I'm sure the owners won't take much convincing to run in the Champion.

Feb 28, 2014 -- 12:14PM, Nutkins wrote:

I think it will be ground dependent. If it's drying out then I think Nicholls will send him to the CC. Massive place claims in a sub standard renewal and could even win it. Having said that with only half a dozen Arkle runners that looks ripe as well. I would wager he'll end up in the CC if there's not a deluge between now and then.

Ground dependent ? both races are over the same distance ???

If it's drying out, which looks very likely, then it will obviously be quicker ground on Wednesday (QM) than Tuesday (Arkle).

he should run wherever daryl Jacob can't ride it

MW - I think Nicholls believes that Hinterland will only have a squeak of winning the CC on better ground. If it's soft he'll probably throw him in the ankle and hope for a place in a very small field.

Hinterland needs a lightening pace; unlikely to get that in either race so wouldn't of thought he'll pose a threat.

Hinterland will be unplaced in whichever race he goes for. Miles behind from being a champion chase horse.