Nicholls plan works with Americo

A change of tactics and a gallop earlier in the day combined to help Blue Americo land the first division of the Taunton Racecourse Seminar Centre Novices’ Hurdle for Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh at Taunton today.

The half-brother to Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Call had been too keen on his previous starts this season, and was worked at Ditcheat this morning and then equipped with a cross-noseband.

The six-year-old settled beautifully and quickened up to score by five lengths and half a length from Members Only and Lustral Du Seuil.

Nicholls said of his 15-2 winner: “He’s been opening his mouth and swallowing his tongue and was too fresh and keen last time, but this morning we worked him to take the edge off him and it did the trick.”