Nicholls hoping for dry spell

PAUL NICHOLLS is keeping a close eye on the weather and hoping the wet spell comes to an end ahead of Kauto Star’s outing in the Aon Chase at Newbury on February 10.

The champion trainer will give the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite his prep race for the Festival in the three-mile test, although conditions at the Berkshire track are currently heavy.

Nicholls also has the option of dropping the seven-year-old back to the minimum trip for the totepool Game Spirit Chase, but is keen to keep the King George VI winner over a longer distance.