Just the three runners for Paul Nicholls on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival, but one of them is a stable star who he thinks can run another great race…
Worked well recently but it’s a hot run
1:30 p.m. – Silent Revolution
He’s a useful prospect who won well on his hurdle debut for us at Newbury in November before having a small problem with a brace that prevented us from giving him another run before Cheltenham. But he did a lot at home and spent a day in Wincanton where he worked well. Obviously, we’re running Silent Revolution in a hot rush, but we’re ready to give it a shot.
Likes the Old Course and can run a great race
14:50 – Frodo
Yes it disappointed last time in Leopardstown but some of our guys were below par then and we knew we were in trouble when it rained on a very wet pitch. I’m sure he needs a better pitch these days. While Frodo seems to have a lot to do, he is an amazing horse, continues to surprise us and is able to run another big race.
Do everything right before stable debut
16:50 – Bell Ex One
He’s an interesting Irish recruit, a bit of a dark horse and I don’t really know what to expect when he first leaves for us. He has a 130 rating after winning the hurdles twice in the fall and was also helpful on the flat. He’s tough and consistent, happy with a recent training session at Wincanton, had plenty of races and seems to do everything at home. I put blinders on him to sharpen him up.