PNicholls

There are a few big races coming up, weather permitting obviously, so I thought I'd give you a brief update on my entries.

Tingle Creek
If this is run at Cheltenham on December 11, then Master Minded and Twist Magic will both go. Having won two Champion Chases, the course obviously won't pose any problems for Master Minded, though history says it won't be ideal for dual Tingle Creek winner Twist Magic, whose Cheltenham form figures read F6FP, while his Sandown figures read 31F113. Both are well after very pleasing reappearance runs.

December Gold Cup, Cheltenham, December 11
We have three left in this race; Robinson Collonges, Poquelin, and Breedsbreeze. But we are likely to rely on just the first two, with Breedsbreeze a possible for the Peterborough. You will have read my thoughts on Robinson Collonges elsewhere, a very promising horse but harshly handicapped on what he has done so far. I see he is one of the favourites for this, though. On the other hand, Poquelin has finally been given some respite by the handicapper - being dropped a whole 1lb and that should make all the difference. Not! The Peterborough could have been an option for him but he doesn't go right-handed, so he will more than likely take his chance here.

Long Walk Hurdle, Ascot, December 18
We have Big Buck's and Celestial Halo in this race, but we will probably rely on Big Buck's. Everyone knows all about him. Celestial Halo reverts to hurdles but probably not in this race, the Relkeel at Cheltenham on December 11 being a possible alternative.

Ladbroke Hurdle, Ascot, December 18
We have four in this race: Advisor, Sanctuaire, Tito Bustillo and Toubab. Advisor is fine after being brought down at Newbury last weekend and races here for the Royal Ascot Racing Club. Tito Bustillo ran well first time up and is a likely runner, Sanctuaire could possibly make it three in the race for me. He is fine after his fall. He was far too free at Cheltenham but he may just settle better this time in this fast-run race. Toubab went up to 144 after his impressive Haydock win, and I will have to study the weights before I make a decision about him. But at this stage I would say that he is more likely to go for the novice race on the same card, so hold your bets on him.

King George, Kempton December 26
Aside from Kauto Star, we have another three entered in the race. Unlikely runners maybe, but none have been ruled out at this stage.
What A Friend also has the Lexus as an option, a race he won last year. Noland is another possible, as Jon Hales would love to run him here. He had a slight setback a fortnight ago but he is fine now and back in hard work. It could be that the race comes a little too soon, though. Impressive Down Royal winner The Nightingale is likely to go for the Peterborough but, as with the other two, we will see nearer the time with him, as regards running at Kempton.

Welsh National, Chepstow, December 27
Again, you have probably read what I said about Watamu Bay on my lead article. He certainly isn't well handicapped on his form to date. But, having had the minimum three runs over fences to be eligible for this race, he is open to improvement, jumps and stays well and will love the probable soft ground. I will aim Tricky Trickster at a 3m novice hurdle next to try and get his confidence back. He didn't show any sparkle or go a yard at Cheltenham on his reappearance; we will see where we stand after that.

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