Decision time looms for Azertyuiop
The Somerset handler also has the current second favourite for the race in Peterborough Chase winner Le Roi Miguel, but is concerned about whether either horse will last the three-mile trip.
Azertyuiop, who was second to Moscow Flyer in a thrilling renewal of the Tingle Creek Chase earlier this month, does have the alternative of sticking to the minimum distance in the skybetvegas.com Castleford Chase at Wetherby a day later, and a decision appears likely today.
“We are totally undecided about Azertyuiop regarding the trip, the ground and the jockey bookings,” said Nicholls’ assistant Daniel Skelton.
“We will make a decision tomorrow. A lot of people want to know what is going to happen, but it is not a decision that will be taken lightly.”
Nicholls reports the seven-year-old to be none the worse for his exertions at Sandown and the trainer is aiming to have him spot-on for his bid for back-to-back victories in the Queen Mother Champion Chase in March.
“He is very well. He took 10 days or so to get over Exeter - it just took a bit out of him in the ground - but he bounced back straight away from the Tingle Creek,” he told Racing UK.
“He cantered on the Monday after running on the Saturday. He is just a little bit tighter than he was before then. He is awfully hard to get fit even with the amount of work we give them at home.
“I do feel he needs a run or two to get really near to his best and I think he will keep on improving through the spring. Whether he will stay is a difficult one.
“Le Roi Miguel has only ever won over two and a half miles and I think that if Azertyuiop ran in that race (the Peterborough Chase) he would have won, but there is no reason to suggest Le Roi Miguel will get three miles either.
“I wouldn’t say he won’t get the trip, but obviously you don’t know.”
However, Ladbrokes report strong support for Le Roi Miguel and now go 3-1, having had the gelding at 8-1 when opening their book.
The six-year-old was frustrating last season when first out of novice company, but had a breathing operation in the summer and looked a changed horse when demolishing Farmer Jack in the Grade Two contest at Huntingdon.
King George VI Chase betting
: 9/4 Kicking King, 7/2 Le Roi Miguel, 6/1 Calling Brave, Therealbandit, 10/1 Kingscliff.
