Nicholls enters four in Castleford

Paul Nicholls is keeping his options open for the skybet.com Castleford Chase, with four entries for the £50,000 (€72,000) contest at Wetherby on Monday.

Heading the Ditcheat trainer’s team is Azertyuiop, but the Queen Mother Champion Chase hero holds an alternative engagement in the Stan James King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Nicholls can also call on Kadarann, winner of this race last year, as well as Cenkos and Armaturk.

He said: “I won’t be making any decision as to where Azertyuiop goes until Thursday morning – I might even have to declare him for both races because of the weather situation.

“I also have the other three entered in the Castleford, so that is something I also have to take into account.”

Martin Pipe has a major contender in last season’s Arkle Trophy winner Well Chief, who was a close third behind Moscow Flyer and Azertyuiop in the Tingle Creek Trophy at Sandown. He could be joined by stable companion Golden Alpha.

Lambourn trainer Nicky Henderson is also doubly represented at this stage with Geos, winner of the Castleford Chase two years ago, and Caracciola.

The talented course specialist Mister McGoldrick is a likely starter for Bingley-based trainer Sue Smith.

There is one entry from Ireland in the shape of Native Scout, fourth to Rathgar Beau in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork earlier this month, while Germany’s Christian Von Der Recke could send over Water Quirl, successful in a novice chase at Warwick in November 2003.