Paul Nicholls confirms Aintree plans

Betfair ambassador Paul Nicholls confirms his Aintree plans for Cheltenham Gold Cup second Bravemansgame and reflects on shock 50-1 weekend winner

• Paul Nicholls has confirmed stable star Bravemansgame is set for a trip to Aintree
• The Gold Cup second could also head across the Irish Sea later this season
• Nicholls had a 50/1 winner at Ascot on Sunday, a horse he initially said had “no chance”

Champion trainer and Betfair ambassador Paul Nicholls talks about Bravemansgame and his shocking 50/1 winner who he initially thought had “no chance.

Bravemansgame set for Aintree Bowl test

“Bravemansgame is on course for the Aintree Bowl on April 13. I am schooling 18 horses on Tuesday who are possibles for Aintree, including Stage Star, Hitman and Magic Saint – I could go on and on.

“We will get them all schooled this week and then make our decisions on them all.

“I am going to enter Bravemansgame at Punchestown as well, so we will have options. Anything is possible.

“Prior to the weekend at Newton Abbot and Plumpton, the only runner I will have is Oscar Moonshine at Wincanton on Wednesday.The big crescendo is obviously Aintree the week after.”

Blueking D’Oroux was a shock 50/1 winner of the juvenile hurdle at Ascot on Sunday

“I said on Friday that Blueking D’Oroux had no chance of winning and was badly handicapped (off a mark of 127).

“It just shows what a wind op can do for a horse. He galloped beautifully and went strong to the line.

“Afadil (in the same race) ran well as well. It just shows you can never be confident of what will happen in a race.

“I apologise to everyone (for his comments about Blueking D’Oroux on Friday). It’s just one of those things that happens. We can’t get it right every time.”

Nicholls continued.

with thanks to Betfair.