Coral Gold Cup: Paul Nicholls' Threeunderthrufive set for Newbury showpiece after Wetherby prep
Threeunderthrufive made a decent return over the smaller obstacles last weekend, finishing third in the bet365 Hurdle at Wetherby; Paul Nicholls will look to have him primed for a big run in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury later this month
Wednesday 2 November 2022 11:32, UK
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has nominated Threeunderthrufive as his main contender for the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury on November 26.
The second-season chaser made his seasonal reappearance at Wetherby on Saturday when he finished third behind Proschema in the West Yorkshire Hurdle, a race Nicholls has used in the past as a prep for the Coral Gold Cup.
He won four of his six races over fences as a novice, with his two defeats coming on his chasing debut and at the Cheltenham Festival.
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Nicholls also has Charlie Hall winner Bravemansgame, Frodon and Enrillo engaged in the Coral Gold Cup at this stage.
"Threeunderthrufive goes for the Coral Gold Cup. Bravemansgame won't run. He will be taken out of the race," said Nicholls.
"Frodon is going to run at Wincanton on Saturday instead of going to Down Royal because of the ground and one thing and another. He's been dropped 6lb from his last handicap mark, which is a bit more acceptable.
"You would never rule him out because there aren't many options for him now. He will run in the Badger Beer Chase and that has always been a prep race for the Coral Gold Cup so he could go. Enrilo is in the Badger Beer too.
"But with Threeunderthrufive the plan has always been to go for this race and after his run at Wetherby on Saturday, the Coral Gold Cup will be his next start."