Poq the pick for Nicholls

Paul Nicholls believes Poquelin has every chance of reversing Paddy Power Gold Cup form with Irish raider Tranquil Sea as the pair clash again in the Ryanair Chase.

The champion trainer has a formidable record in the two-mile-five-furlong Grade One, having won it twice with Thisthatandtother and Taranis since its inception in 2005.

He sends Poquelin this time with the seven-year-old needing to find almost five lengths on Tranquil Sea after finishing second at the track last November.

Connections felt the ground was against him that day and he went one place better in the Boylesports Gold Cup back at Cheltenham the following month.

Nicholls said: “He is in good order and he loves to be fresh.

“I don’t know why he is a better horse this year and why he’s jumping better, but he has probably just matured.

“It is a step up from a handicap to a Grade One but his form has worked out well and he is one of my best chances of the week. I would say he is better than my previous two winners as he has loads of speed and stays.”

Owner Andy Stewart added: “This time last year he was favourite for the Grand Annual but he didn’t jump and fluffed his lines.

“He is a young, progressive horse and we couldn’t be happier with him. He gave weight to Tranquil Sea in the Paddy Power, good ground suits him and I think he will run a really big race.”

Tranquil Sea and Poquelin have duelled for favouritism for the past few weeks and a solid third choice behind them has been The Queen’s Barbers Shop.

Nicky Henderson’s representative is without a win since landing a minor race at Sandown in December 2008 but has been beaten by giants of the turf in Kauto Star and Denman this season.

Henderson said: “He has not won for a long time but you can blame the trainer for that. He is a very difficult horse as he falls into the trap of being 10lb below top-class and we have nowhere to go.

“He gave chase to Denman when he was at his terrifying best in the Hennessy and did the same to Kauto Star in the King George. If I’d had the brains to go out and try to be second, then he would have been.

“He has been second over the course and distance twice, in the Jewson and Paddy Power, and we have kept him fresh since the King George. This has been the plan and someday, somewhere, he will win a big race.”

Henderson also saddles Petit Robin who had initially had the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase as his target.

The trainer added: “As soon as I made the decision to switch I knew we had done the right thing and I think he has a realistic chance.

“He was third in the Queen Mother last year and I don’t see how he could improve on that.

“I would rather try to win than be placed and the longer trip won’t be a problem.”

One of the main market rivals to Poquelin all winter has been Edward O'Grady's Tranquil Sea.

Last year’s winner Imperial Commander used victory in the Paddy Power as a springboard, which bodes well for Tranquil Sea.

Since that victory, O’Grady has dropped him in trip and he won a Grade Two event over two miles and one furlong on his last start.

“I am very happy with him. Ruby Walsh was critical of him the last day saying he beat Grand National horses but it was not my fault what else was in the race and he won dead easy. He would have done more having a gallop after racing,” said O’Grady.

“I know Ruby is confident of his horse on the ground but my fellow won a Grade One Hurdle on the ground so I am equally confident.

“He has stepped up from handicap company to Grade Two and is now going to a Grade One but I am hopeful that he will be capable.”