Nicholls takes blame as Tataniano turned over

PAUL NICHOLLS blamed himself for the defeat of Tataniano after the smart novice chaser was subdued by the deep ground at Newbury.

After impressing with his economic jumping on two previous starts over fences, the Stewart family’s gelding is the champion trainer’s leading prospect for a third success in the Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival.

Tataniano was the 2-11 favourite against just two opponents in the MC Seafoods Novices’ Chase and although he made no tangible mistakes, he leaned noticeably to the right over many of the fences.