Nicholls unperturbed by Tidal threat

TIDAL BAY could prove to be the one that got away for Paul Nicholls, but the British champion trainer reckons the rising star will have to make a significant jump up the ladder if he is to trouble Master Minded or Kauto Star in the near future.

Howard Johnson’s Arkle Trophy winner made a bloodless return to action at Carlisle on Sunday and a crack at Queen Mother Champion Chase hero Master Minded in the Tingle Creek at Sandown on December 6 is among his options.

Nicholls, speaking at Sandown’s launch of the jumps season, said: “If you look at the horses he beat yesterday, he has got a mountain to climb to beat horses like Kauto Star and Master Minded.