It’s been the Paul Nicholls show in recent weeks and the champion trainer  has set his sights on another big weekend prize in Saturday's Boylesports.com Gold Cup at Cheltenham. His New Little Bric has been all the rage for the race since betting opened and, having been as big as 9/1, is now down to 9/2 with the sponsors (shorter elsewhere) to keep up the red-hot streak for the trainer and jockey Sam Thomas.

The combo has been responsible for the big race winner on each of the past four Saturday’s but, unlike Denman and Twist Magic, winners of the Hennessy and Tingle Creek, this one has been the subject of a positive report from the trainer, who has suggested that the lightly raced six year-old will be a lot sharper for his recent run at Ascot (after a 254-day absence) and suited by the return to a longer trip. Certainly, the way the gelding was staying on over 2m3f last time out after getting outpaced turning for home suggested that he wants this two furlong longer trip and, with the stable in cracking form, he must have a great chance of giving Nicholls his first win in this race after two seconds, three thirds and two fourths in the past decade.

Of the rest, Palarshan (8/1 William Hill) is fancied to reverse form with Il Duce (8/1 Stan James), who had him two and a half lengths back in fourth when runner-up in the Paddy Power Gold Cup. Palarshan was hampered at the second last that day and connections are hoping the ground continues to dry out. David Pipe’s Tamarinbleu goes well fresh, but he’s more likely to run at Ascot the following weekend, which would leave either Vodka Bleu or Abragante (7/1
Ladbrokes)  to represent the stable. The latter ran ok in the Hennessy and will appreciate the better ground at Cheltenham, but he doesn’t always find much off the bridle. Perhaps the biggest danger to the favourite will come from his stablemate Le Volfoni, who goes well round Cheltenham and will be suited by decent ground. His jockey Nick Scofield takes 7lb off his back and he can run into a place at 20/1 (Paddy Power).

Boylesports are sponsoring all 14 races on Friday and Saturday and are offering punters a great concession over the two-day meeting. If your selection finishes second to the SP favourite, they will refund your losing stake on all single bets. That’s in addition to their excellent account opening offer of up to £100 in free bets. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to open an account with Boylesports.

Recommended Bets:

New Little Bric 4pt @ 9/2 Boylesports
Le Volfoni 1pt each way @ 20/1 Paddy Power