Paul Nicholls Back To Form

Paul Nicholls will have been encouraged to send out three winners at Doncaster today. This is traditionally a quiet time of year for him, as it is about now that his horses have their ‘flu vaccinations. I believe I am right in saying he also takes a break away in the West Indies, so he would have been encouraged to see Bouvreuil, Le Prezien and Baoulet Delaroque land him a treble.

I have no doubt that Paul’s season will pick up in a few weeks. I have noticed over the years that stables that make a relatively slow start to the season often peak in time for the top meetings in the spring. Nicky Henderson, for example, is a master at having his horses spot on for Cheltenham, while Paul Nicholls had a disappointing 2013 meeting after one of his best ever starts to a campaign.

I have been working hard in the last few days on researching for the 2016 Flat edition of the Dark Horses Annual. I already have a long list of horses to write about, including more than a few that were put away after winning a maiden. It’s all about Air Force Blue in the 2,000 Guineas – he is generally no better than 5/4 – but there is sure to be a little value to be found elsewhere with his tight hold at the top of the market.

I have been back in fair form in the last few weeks, so give me a ring to hear my news for the weekend. As always any selections are given in the first minute of the message (0906 150 1555).

Bye for now

Marten