Nicholls seeking Tolworth success

Paul Nicholls is expecting a big run from Mahonia as the Ditcheat trainer seeks a fourth successive victory in the Blue Square Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown tomorrow.

Noland (2006), Silverburn (2007) and Breedsbreeze (2008) have helped make the Grade One heat a benefit for the Nicholls team, who also won the race in 2003 with Thisthatandtother.

Now it is the turn of Mahonia to continue the sequence, although he goes to the Esher track on the back of a defeat by Karabak at Cheltenham.

“I was surprised he was beaten last time at Cheltenham but to be fair to Ruby (Walsh) it was his first ride back,” said Nicholls.

“I think Sandown will suit him much better and the form of his first win at Exeter was boosted by Medermit winning at Ascot recently. I think he’ll go very well.”

Dee Ee Williams, beaten a short head by Medermit in that Ascot contest, would provide a tonic to his trainer Nick Gifford, who has been feeling under the weather.

The six-year-old had won his two previous hurdle races at Cheltenham and Ascot and shares favouritism with Mahonia at 2-1 with Ladbrokes.

Nicky Henderson believes he is throwing Clay Hollister in at the deep end following his impressive novice hurdle debut victory over course and distance four weeks ago.

He was previously owned by John Magnier but now carries the famous green and gold silks of JP McManus.

“He did that well but I didn’t think it was a great contest and this is a good race,” said the Seven Barrows trainer.

“He came back really well and has been really sharp.

“I’ve been very pleased with him so I thought we might as well have a go.”

Henrietta Knight admits it is also a steep rise in class for Somersby but makes no secret of the high regard in which she holds the horse.

“He deserves another step up in class now,” she said.