One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch on Saturday

One trainer

Thankfully, ten-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls vaccinates his horses against equine influenza every January, meaning the master of Ditcheat has plenty of chances on what promises to be an informative day.

Getaway Trump (black cap) is bound to be a popular selection in the Betfair HurdleCredit: Edward Whitaker

He has a total of 24 runners spread across three meetings at Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton, with Politologue and Cyrname clashing in the Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase and Clan Des Obeaux putting his Cheltenham Gold Cup credentials on the line in the Betfair Denman Chase.

Mont Des Avaloirs and Getaway Trump give him a strong hand in a typically competitive Betfair Hurdle, while Grand Sancy represents him in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton and Quel Destin goes in the Victor Ludorum at Haydock.

One jockey

Aidan Coleman gained a deserved first success at Grade 1 level when Paisley Park won the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot and thanks to that horse the momentum behind him appears to be growing.

It will be another big day for the rider at Haydock, where he has a handful of eyecatching rides. Laskadine, Geordie B and Down The Highway are all capable youngsters, while Coleman will need to be at his strongest to partner Carole's Destrier in an often attritional Grand National Trial.

Carole's Destrier: Mandarin Chase winner was slightly unlucky last time in the Classic ChaseCredit: Getty Images

He has also been entrusted to ride Yanworth on his return from a significant absence in the Rendlesham Hurdle, who for all his ability isn't entirely straightforward.

One horse

Has a horse ever been more appropriately named than Waiting Patiently? Ruth Jefferson's stable star will once again come out of hiding to participate in the Betfair Ascot Chase, a race he so stylishly won last year.

It has been far from plain sailing for the eight-year-old since then, as his comeback was delayed due to the unseasonably dry ground and he was then badly hampered and unseated jockey Brian Hughes with a circuit to go in the King George.

Waiting Patiently: has a horse ever been more appropriately named?Credit: Edward Whitaker

This will be a big day for Waiting Patiently, who needs to begin to deliver on what he promised so memorably 12 months ago.

One race

The Supreme Novices' Hurdle picture still looks decidedly murky, but the Betfair Hurdle has been a useful guide in recent years.

The pace is unforgiving, meaning horses need the raw ability to stay in contention, but when the going gets tough they also need to show a bombproof attitude.

Al Dancer has proved he can handle the hurly-burly demands of a big-field handicap by winning at Cheltenham last time, but can he replicate that performance in a much deeper race?

Al Dancer: Supreme Novices' Hurdle fancy will need to up his game in the Betfair HurdleCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Getaway Trump brings strong form to the race after finishing second behind Champ in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle, while Didtheyleaveuoutto boasts an excellent track record. It has all the requirements for a thrilling renewal.

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