Layers taking no chances with Parrain in Power Gold Cup

PAUL Nicholls believes Mon Parrain has to improve to break the champion trainer’s Paddy Power Gold Cup hoodoo.

The five-year-old French import is 8-1 favourite with the sponsors for the big handicap chase at Cheltenham on Saturday despite having had just two runs over fences in Britain.

Nicholls had been concerned about the horse’s fitness ahead of such a challenging race and was delighted with Mon Parrain’s work alongside Kauto Star and Big Buck’s at Exeter last Tuesday.