Nicholls relishing novice chance

Paul Nicholls believes his novice team should not be underestimated at the Cheltenham Festival next month.

The champion trainer is responsible for the first two in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase market in Twist Magic and Master Minded, and holds a similar grip on the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup thanks to Kauto Star and Denman.

Yet with the likes of Noland, Breedsbreeze and Elusive Dream also stabled at Ditcheat, Nicholls has every reason to feel positive with his younger team as well.

Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy favourite Noland had been due to get a second run over fences under his belt at Sandown on Friday, but lively conditions might force Nicholls to look elsewhere.

“Unless it rains he won’t be running there – the ground looks plenty quick enough,” Nicholls said.

“He could end up getting switched to Kempton on Saturday and it just depends on where the ground is best really.”

With just over three weeks until the four-day Festival begins on March 11, Nicholls told talkSPORT: “I love Cheltenham and it’s just a fantastic four days.

“There’s lots of pressure and I put myself under a lot of pressure but it’s just an amazing week.

“We’ve got some nice novice hurdlers, including Breedsbreeze and The Tother One – they’re both nice horses.

“We’ve also got Elusive Dream and they are all novices with big chances.”