Nicholls confident Clan Des Obeaux can build on King George display at Newbury

Paul Nicholls believes Clan Des Obeaux is back to his best as he prepares to take on a stellar line-up in Newbury's Betfair Denman Chase on Saturday, although the course faces a Friday morning inspection in its battle with the wintry weather.

The nine-year-old has been given a break since finishing a respectable third when attempting to land a hat-trick in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase, being beaten eight and a quarter lengths by stablemate Frodon.

And Nicholls believes that time off has benefited Clan Des Obeaux, who heads to Newbury, weather permitting, in peak form as he attempts for a second win in the race against Grade 1 performers Champ and Lostintranslation.

Watch Clan Des Obeaux capture the 2019 King George

Speaking on a promotional call hosted by Great British Racing, he said on Tuesday: "He seems very fresh and well so we're looking forward to it. Harry [Cobden] schooled him this morning and he's right back to his best.

"It didn't quite happen at Kempton. He got further behind than we really wanted and if we ran the race again we'd have him closer to Frodon. He made a few mistakes, but did really well to finish third. It just didn't quite work out.

"He can improve on Kempton, the track suits and he's won twice there. Champ was last year's novice champion and won the RSA, but he has to go out and do it against these older horses. It's a good race, but I think we've got every chance."

Officials at Newbury confirmed on Wednesday they are discussing the option of hosting the fixture next week should Saturday's card not go ahead as scheduled.

As previously confirmed, Clan Des Obeaux will not be going to Cheltenham this season with connections looking at Grade 1 targets at Aintree and Punchestown later in the campaign.

Newbury Saturday card

This weekend the Ditcheat team will also take aim at Altior and the Betfair Cheltenham Free Bet Pot Builder Chase – known as the Game Spirit – with Greaneteen and Magic Saint.

Greaneteen : winner of the Haldon Gold Cup earlier this seasonCredit: Dan Abraham/Pool

"They're both going to run and are both in good shape," Nicholls added. "I've left Greaneteen off since he ran very well in the Tingle Creek with the idea to give him a prep here.

"This'll give us a little bit of a guide as to whether we go for the Champion Chase or down the Ryanair route. Harry Cobden got off him at Sandown and said he might want two and a half miles, but he goes well fresh and is in seriously good order. He’ll run well on Saturday."

Of Magic Saint, the top trainer added: "He's been running very well this season and won nicely at Cheltenham early on.

"He goes well fresh and he worked great this week. He's won at Newbury before and is well capable of running very well."

Read more:

Why Paul Nicholls looks to be set for an exceptional 2021-22 season

'I did feel I'd had enough of it all' – inside the mind of Paul Nicholls

'A big beast' - seven leading trainers to watch at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival

Back of the net! Shearer scores at Warwick to give Nicholls 100 for the season

Relief for Altior camp as star chaser sets up bid for third Champion Chase

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