Nicholls declares exciting chasing recruit
The talented six-year-old could only manage one run last season when not disgracing himself in the World Hurdle and now makes the switch to chasing
PAUL NICHOLLS is hoping to take the wraps off potentially one of his most exciting novice chasers as Aux Ptits Soins has been declared at Exeter on Wednesday.
Weather permitting, the six-year-old will run in the RGB Building Supplies Novices' Chase and will be ridden by Nick Scholfield.
The grey won the 2015 Coral Cup at Cheltenham on his British debut, beating subsequent Grade One-winning chaser Zabana, but he was restricted to just one outing last year when he ran well for a long way in the World Hurdle.
Owner John Hales said: "I'm really looking forward to it, but it needs to rain.
"There is rain forecast but if they don't get any he won't run as we won't risk jarring him up.
"Exeter is a lovely place to starts novices off so I hope it rains, the fences are spaced out lovely.
"We bought him as a chaser and while it hasn't been plain-sailing with him, we've seen glimpses of just how good he might be.
"There looks to be a decent rival in there (Drumlee Sunset) and I'm pleased about that.
"I'd rather have something to make it competitive as they learn nothing if they can just totter around on their own."
Nicholls also revealed that Silviniaco Conti will attempt to win the Betfair Chase at Haydock for a third time after he finished second on his return to action at Down Royal on Saturday.
The Paul Nicholls-trained 10-year-old was no match for Valseur Lido in the JNwine.com Champion Chase, but he still satisfied connections on his first outing since April.
Silviniaco Conti's focus is now on the Betfair Chase on November 19 - a race he won in 2012 and 2014.
The Ditcheat handler told www.paulnichollsracing.com: "Noel Fehily was delighted with Conti finishing second in the Grade One JNwine.com Champion Chase.
"He now heads for the Betfair Chase."
