Nicholls favouring Aintree date for Hitman
Trainer considering plans for Sandown faller.
Paul Nicholls reports Hitman to be none the worse after falling in the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown on Saturday. Hugely impressive on his British debut at Ffos Las in November, the French recruit subsequently chased home Dan Skelton’s Allmankind when stepped up to Grade One level for the first time in Sandown’s Henry VIII Novices’ Chase the following month. The five-year-old returned to the Esher venue for another top-level assignment last weekend – and was still travelling strongly when coming to grief at the first of the Railway Fences. Speaking on a call hosted by Great British Racing, Nicholls said: “It was very frustrating – I don’t think I’ve seen Harry (Cobden, jockey) that frustrated after a race for a long time. “He was travelling extremely well and jumped impeccably. He was just a bit unlucky he landed a little bit steep. “He’s come out of the race fine and we’ve just got to make a plan as to what we’re going to do with him going forward.”Hitman holds entries in the Arkle Trophy and the Marsh Novices’ Chase at next month’s Cheltenham Festival, but could sidestep the showpiece meeting in the Cotswolds entirely. Nicholls added: “I wouldn’t mind saving him for Aintree. He’s a horse who doesn’t want a lot of racing this year. He’s only just turned five and he’s going to improve physically for another summer. “You wouldn’t do Cheltenham and Aintree and Cheltenham might come a bit quick off the back of a fall. “I wouldn’t mind getting a clear round in somewhere on a small track and then go to Aintree.”
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Hannon duo ready to chase Classic compensation at the Curragh
Newmarket placed runners gunning for Irish 2,000 Guineas gold.
-
American National on the radar again for Hewick
Shark Hanlon’s pride and joy ran another big race in France at the weekend.
-
Cowardofthecounty being sent to Coventry by O’Brien
Smart-looking colt impressed in Curragh debut win.
-
Diligent Harry firmly on target for Ascot after York near-miss
Cox stalwart will tackle big sprint on opening day of showpiece meeting.
-
Bucanero Fuerte too strong for Lacken rivals
Commonwealth Cup hope makes all for Group Three glory at Naas.
-
Naas victory sets up Royal run for Aesop’s Fables
King Charles III Stakes aim for smart Sprint winner.
-
Fairy Godmother swoops late for Sprint success
Albany Stakes next on the agenda for Aidan O’Brien’s filly.