Nicholls star primed to shoot down Flyer
Paul Nicholls is convinced that Azertyuiop has a good chance of upsetting last year’s winner Moscow Flyer in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham tomorrow.
Azertyuiop was beaten four lengths by the Irish raider in the Tingle Creek Trophy at Sandown in December but Nicholls believes that last year’s Arkle Trophy hero has improved since then.
Leading bookmakers reckon the eight-runner showpiece is between the two major players as they go a shade of odds-on Moscow Flyer, with Azertyuiop just odds against, and then a big gap to the rest.
Said the Shepton Mallet trainer: “I have been very positive because there is no point being negative and giving yourself no chance.
“Azertyuiop has got a lot of ground to make up from Sandown but he did not have the ideal prep and has probably improved quite a bit since then, especially with his run at Ascot (when giving 19lb to Isio).
“I said before the Tingle Creek that he wasn’t ready and I hope we can close the gap with Moscow.
"We didn’t set out to win that race, we set out to win the Champion Chase, and that is what it is all about.
“He ran free and fresh at Sandown but ran a good race at the weights at Ascot, and Isio has run well since.
“He has had an ideal prep, will love the track and if we get beaten he just isn’t good enough. It is as simple as that.”
Nicholls will be triple-handed with Cenkos, who has finished third in this race for the last two years, and outsider Venn Ottery.
The trainer admitted to being frustrated over his dispute with Venn Ottery’s owner and former trainer Oliver Carter over who will ride the nine-year-old.
The pair’s disagreement has spilled out into the public arena, with Carter insisting on Timmy Murphy instead of Nicholls’ choice of Joe Tizzard.
“I really don’t want to say anything about it, except how disappointed I am that it has turned out like this,” said Nicholls.
“The horse will run tomorrow and Timmy will ride. It’s a shame for Joe, because he has done all the work with the horse and got him fit.”
Venn Ottery had failed to win in 23 attempts for Carter but has won four of his five starts since joining Nicholls less than three months ago.
The Jockey Club has turned down a request from both owner and trainer to allow Venn Ottery to run in a tongue-strap. The piece of equipment was not declared for the horse by mistake.
Both Nicholls and Carter contacted the Jockey Club to ask for dispensation, but were turned down.
Nicholls’ optimism is matched by that of the connections of Moscow Flyer, who is out to land back-to-back victories in the two-mile showdown.
The pride of Ireland is bidding for a hat-trick of wins at the Festival, having landed the Arkle Trophy two years ago.
“Although he’s 10 years old, I think he’s a stronger horse than last year. I’ve been delighted with his preparation,” said trainer Jessica Harrington.
“I haven’t seen him since he came over on Sunday but Barry (Geraghty) has ridden him out and he’s very happy with him.
“Let’s hope everything goes all right tomorrow. Ever since he won last year I’ve been aiming him at a second Champion Chase.”
Geraghty added: “It’s hard to see beyond the front two in the race, but I’m more than happy that my fellow has the guns.”
Moscow Flyer, who has been favourite ever since he beat Native Upmanship in the same event 12 months ago, has not raced since beating Native Scout at Leopardstown in December.
