Fehily making the most of link-up with Nicholls
Walsh will be sidelined for some time after breaking his leg at Down Royal last Saturday, meaning there will be some incredible rides going begging aboard Nicholls’ star names.
It would not be disrespectful to suggest Rebel Du Maquis, Dark Lover and Penellis are some way from the top of the order at Manor Farm Stables – Nicholls admitted as much – but they each accomplished their jobs in decent style.
The most advanced in his career is Rebel Du Maquis, who for much of the Bathwick Tyres Bridgwater Novices’ Chase looked like replicating the fine impression he made on his first start over fences at Cheltenham last month.
The 10-11 favourite bounded over virtually every obstacle immaculately but his enthusiasm nearly got the better of him in the home straight and he made a mess of the third-last and second-last fences before regaining momentum before the final jump.
Nicholls reported: “Noel said the wind was very strong and it was right behind him in the home straight.
“It doesn’t matter too much if a novice makes the odd mistake, and he was almost too good up to that point.
“I think we’ll find a winners-of-two race somewhere over two and a half miles or so, keep it small, then find something nice in the spring.
“He was only a 130-horse over hurdles, so not a star, but he just jumps and gallops.”
Dark Lover, the 1-2 favourite after finishing second in two bumpers, was never in any danger in the Bathwick Tyres Novices’ Hurdle, scoring by 13 lengths.
“We’ll keep him small and you could see him being a horse like Rebel next year,” said Nicholls.
“It wasn’t much of a race and he might come back here for a National Hunt novice race over two miles and three (furlongs).”
Fehily had to be more patient on Pennellis (5-4 favourite), an unexposed gelding on the comeback trail, but he only needed to be shaken up at the end to pull five lengths away in the Bathwick Tyres Plymouth Handicap Hurdle.
“He had a breathing operation in the summer, and you can see what it has done,” Nicholls continued.
Sam Thomas partnered Detroit Red to a fairly comfortable success in the opening mares’ handicap hurdle.
