 |
|
|
|
| Cheltenham News 2007 |
Martin Brassil Pleased With Nickname 13/03/07
Grand National winning trainer Martin Brassil is looking forward to saddling Nickname in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday.
Nickname, a 4/1 shot with William Hillfor the two-mile championship,
has landed five out of six races this term including his last four starts.
Brassil’s charge captured the Grade One Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown in December and booked his Cheltenham ticket with an easy 12-length defeat of Gemini Lucy in the Grade Two paddypowerpoker.com Newlands Chase at Naas on February 24.
The Claudia Jungo-Corpataux-owned gelding is unsuited by quick conditions
and with the ground currently rated soft, good to soft in places, connections
are hoping for a drop of rain to help his cause.
Brassil revealed: “The ground is dead with some soft patches. As we stand here now, I’d say he’s definitely going to run unless there’s a dramatic change but some rain would be helpful.”
Nickname’s horsebox pulled into Cheltenham racecourse at around
5am this morning and the eight-year-old is reported in fine fettle for
his first start in Britain, having arrived at Brassil’s County
Kildare yard in 2005 after establishing himself as a top-class performer
in his native France.
Brassil revealed: “It’s his first time away for us and he’s taking it great. He’s a grand sort of horse.”
Nickname is Brassil’s second Festival runner - the trainer’s only previous foray to Prestbury Park in March resulted in Miss Roberto finishing 22nd in the 1997 JCB Triumph Hurdle won by Commanche Court.
Latest betting (William Hill
13/03/07)
Well
Chief 11/8
Newmill 7/2
Nickname 4/1
Voy Por Ustedes 5/1
Ashley Brook 12/1
Dempsey 20/1
Justified 25/1
River City 33/1
Oneway 50/1
Mister Mcgoldrick 50/1
Sybellius D'artaix 500/1
Marble Garden 500/1
