Nicholls Runner Set to be Fabulous on Trials Day

Cheltenham trials day is often overshadowed by other meetings, as few of the big guns head to the meeting.

However, this year we have a couple of very interesting runners on the card, which certainly makes this a meeting to watch for pointers. They include Champ and Chantry House, but don’t forget the handicaps on the card, known for throwing up runners that go on to challenge at the festival, which is less than two months away now.

Kicking off proceedings, Severance may be worth an each way look in the 12:15, in a race that should be run to suit his style.

He's got a nice win in him off this kind of weight, but needs a truly run race over this trip, with a hill finish to bring his stamina into play, which he gets here. 2m5f last time out stretched him a little too far, whereas the 2m1f here is slightly too short. However, the hope is that the Cheltenham hill negates that, and brings him into the race.

Interne De Sivola is an interesting contender in the 12:45. He's overlooked in the betting behind Pied Piper and Iceo but was good value for his course and distance success in December.

The second and third from that race have come out and won since, and given the prices, it is worth chancing him to follow up here.

In the Cotswold Chase at 2:30, all eyes are on Chantry House, who looks to bounce back and get his Gold Cup hopes back on track.

First time headgear will help, and it is unlikely we would have seen him here if Nicky Henderson hadn't got to the bottom of what was wrong in the King George.

He's short, but deservedly so, and can outclass his rivals here ahead of a return to the course in March for the big one. Simply The Betts and Aye Right are the two main challengers, but neither should have the ability to get anywhere near a horse that is considered a Gold Cup outsider.

McFabulous is fancied to get the better of older rivals

The Cleeve Hurdle at 3:05 provides us with the best bet on the card, as McFabulous is fancied to get the better of older rivals Champ and Paisley Park.

The good ground will really suit McFabulous, and he should come on a ton for his run over the New Year period. He will be 100% for this, and Champ is likely to be left a little short, with March and the Stayers Hurdle in mind.

Paisley Park shows his age now, and that gives McFabulous the edge over these two, we are backing him to come out on top in what should be the race of the day, with his younger legs coming good. He’s the best bet on the card for us, and looks far better value than Champ at long odds on.

Cheltenham Trials Day Bets

• 12:15 Severance (EW) @ 9/1
• 12:45 Interne De Sivola @ 6/1
• 2:30 Chantry House @ 10/11
• 3:05 McFabulous (NAP) @ 4/1