Nicholls dominates Ladbroke possibles

Paul Nicholls appears to hold a very strong hand in The Ladbroke at Ascot on December 17.

The champion trainer could run 6-1 ante-post favourite Prospect Wells, Brampour, Rock On Ruby, Empire Levant, Tonic Mellysse and Edgardo Sol.

There are eight entries from Ireland with Edward O’Grady’s Sailors Warn a possible.

A Grade Two winner last season, he chased home the top-class Unaccompanied last time out.

“We would like to run Sailors Warn in The Ladbroke and we will make a final decision after the weights come out,” said O’Grady.

“He is finding it tough as a four-year-old. We were lucky enough to find a nice race for him on his seasonal debut at Limerick and then he ran up against Steps To Freedom and Unaccompanied.

“His size mitigates against him and there are certain races that are more suitable for him than others. We are looking for the next race for him and The Ladbroke could be the one.

“I would say that he is better on soft ground but we will see where we are in the weights before deciding whether to head to Ascot or not.”

Willie Mullins has entered five, with County Hurdle winner Final Approach and former smart novice Flat Out looking the pick, with Dessie Hughes’ Canaly another possible raider.

Nicky Henderson has a good record in the race and has an interesting contender in French import Rajdhani Express. Gibb River and A Media Luz are other entries from Seven Barrows.

The Ladbroke – sponsors bet: 6-1 Prospect Wells, 8-1 Rock On Ruby, 10-1 Brampour, Edgardo Sol, Olofi, Rajdhani Express, 12-1 Abergavenny, Dare To Doubt, Empire Levant, Sailors Warn, 14-1 bar.