Paul Nicholls expects Saphir Du Rheu to sparkle in Feltham
Monday 8 December 2014 18:31, UK
Paul Nicholls believes Saphir Du Rheu can take high rank in the novice chase division after getting off the mark over fences at Exeter on Friday.
A relatively early casualty on his chasing debut in a Newbury Grade Two just a week earlier, he never made a semblance of a mistake under Nick Scholfield, beating a decent field on the bridle.
Having made giant strides over hurdles last year, Nicholls does not envisage three miles being a problem to him.
"I've always held Saphir Du Rheu in the highest regard and was thrilled with the way he travelled and jumped on his way to recording a highly impressive first victory over fences at Exeter on Friday," Nicholls told his official website, www.paulnichollsracing.com.
"That was over two miles, three and a half furlongs and he will have no problem staying three miles."
The highly-regarded five-year-old will have his next run in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase (formerly the Feltham Novices' Chase) at Kempton on Boxing Day.
"The Kauto Star Novices' Chase was always going to be the plan," Nichollas added.
"At Newbury, it all went wrong when he unseated Sam, but he won well at Exeter the other day and he's been fine since.
"The Feltham is the obvious race for him.
"We'll take it one race at a time with him although long term, if things go well over the next 12 months, I'd like to think he can develop into a Gold Cup horse for 2016."
