Master trainer Nicholls eyes more glory but proteges will be out to spoil party

All hail Paul Nicholls OBE. A medal received from Windsor Castle this week now proudly sits alongside 12 King Georges, four Gold Cups and 12 trainers' titles, but there is no time for reflection when another big trophy is up for grabs.

In 30 years Nicholls has mastered the art of training, but to capture the prestigious Paddy Power Gold Cup – as he has twice in the last decade with Al Ferof and Caid Du Berlais – will require an art of a darker hue, with his two representatives having never run for the stable before and lacking any recent form to make them a genuine threat.

Lalor looked to have the world at his feet when posting a flawless chasing debut on this day three years ago but he has not won again since and has failed to finish in his last two starts.