Clues aplenty despite small fields as Paul Nicholls chases big-race double

A lack of runners does not necessarily mean there is no chance to learn a lot at Doncaster on Saturday, with eyecatching contenders contesting the feature races.

Represented in both the Grade 2s is trainer Paul Nicholls, who sends likely favourite Quel Destin for the bet365 Summit Juvenile Hurdle (2.45) and Coup De Pinceau for the bet365 December Novices’ Chase (1.35).

Quel Destin is seeking to enhance his claims for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March after producing his best performance to defeat Cracker Factory, who reopposes on Saturday, in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham last month.

Nicholls said: "I'm very happy with him and he's got to have a big chance again."

Cracker Factory is one of two contenders for trainer Alan King, who also runs dual hurdle winner Elysees. He said: “Cracker Factory will have his winter break after this and return in the spring. His Wetherby win received a handsome boost when the runner-up Chief Justice won a Grade 2 last weekend.

“Elysees has won his last two races at short odds, and we took a chance in running him a week after Warwick at Ludlow, which would not have been his track. Doncaster will suit him much better.”

Kim Bailey ran Rocky’s Treasure on unfavourably soft ground at Newbury last time, but the decision resulted in a career best from the seven-year-old as he chased home leading RSA Chase contender Santini in a Grade 2.

Santini has Rocky's Treasure in his sights in the Grade 2 novice chaseCredit: Mark Cranham

That performance makes him a leading contender for the December Novices’ Chase, and Bailey said: "Most of his form is on better ground like he will have at Doncaster. He’s had a busy season but he seems fine and in good shape.”

Coup De Pinceau is bidding to make it three wins from three runs over fences and Nicholls said: “He's improved out of all recognition over fences. I'd have rather there had been a bit more time between the races, but there's four runners and it's a good race to go for. ”

The field is completed by Theclockisticking, an easy winner at Fakenham last time, and King Of Realms, who battled to victory at Ascot.

His trainer Ian Williams said: “King Of Realms was really game. This is a big step up in class and he has a few pounds to find with Rocky’s Treasure, but I think that’s within his reach. He’ll appreciate the ground too.”

Williams also has Oi The Clubb Oi’S in the Summit Juvenile Hurdle, and added: “We’re throwing him at the deep end a little, but he’ll like the ground and it’ll be interesting to see how he goes.”

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