Getaway Trump among talented Nicholls group set for campaign over fences

This time last year there was some head-scratching over Getaway Trump, who had looked distinctly moderate in two bumpers.

By the end of the season he had improved into one of Britain's leading novice hurdlers and a decision had to be made on whether to keep him hurdling or set him off on a career over fences.

“He goes chasing," said Paul Nicholls. "He would have to improve another stone to be a genuine Champion Hurdle horse, and he's always looked an exciting prospect for novice chases this winter.

"Last year Dynamite Dollars went over fences a 132-rated hurdler and improved the best part of two stone. Trump is rated 155, so if he improved by only half as much we’d be more than happy.”

Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden alongside Getaway Trump at the trainer's open day for ownersCredit: Tracy Roberts

There is strength in depth in this division and Grand Sancy is another highly rated hurdler switching codes. “It was a good bit of placing to win the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton, but he was never going to make up into a Champion Hurdle horse this season, so it’s sensible to go chasing, where he could be very good,” said Nicholls.

Hopes are high Posh Trish can make a major impact, and not just against her own sex. “She’s a big, strong mare who could prove high-class over fences," said Nicholls.

"I’m really excited to see what she can achieve and we might take her to Chepstow next month for the two-mile-three-furlong chase we’ve started a number of good horses in down the years.

"Then we could go on to the Rising Stars at Wincanton. I’d have no hesitation taking on geldings in receipt of 7lb. Those sort of races don’t get many runners and she loves dominating in a small field.”

Southfield Stone surprised his trainer with his improvement last season. He went from winning a Taunton bumper to placing in the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle in the space of a month, and has the size and scope to do well over fences.

Southfield Stone was a rapid improver last seasonCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Big improvement is expected from Trevelyn's Corn, who ran too free in the Grade 1 novice hurdle at Aintree over three miles.

His trainer explained: “A lot of horses who struggle with their breathing can run like that, so he’s had an op over the summer and looks and works like a different animal.

"As he’s a novice over hurdles until October 31, he’ll start off in the Persian War at Chepstow and then go chasing. There’ll be a lot more to come from him.”

Malaya took time to click last winter before winning the Imperial Cup at Sandown in March. Expect to see this talented mare ply her trade round the smaller tracks over fences to begin with, then work her way up as her confidence grows.

Malaya won last year's Imperial Cup at SandownCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Nicholls was especially animated when discussing Pic D’Orhy, one of the leading juvenile hurdlers in France last year and tenth in the Triumph Hurdle on his debut for the yard.

He said: “I'm very excited about this horse, but we all know what a difficult year it can be for second-season hurdlers, so what do we do with him? Johnny [de la Hey, owner) is open-minded, so we’ll get together and make a plan. He has chaser written all over him and reminds me of Master Minded.”

If You Say Run showed very useful form in mares’ hurdles but connections are undecided whether she stays hurdling or switches to fences. She has plenty of scope for chasing.

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