Paul Nicholls looking forward to getting Captain Teague started in novice chase reduced to a match

Paul Nicholls admits that his head has been hurting in recent weeks, both with the dry weather and a programme book that has become more challenging for placing high-achieving novices.

Fortunately, a suitable race has been found at Exeter for Captain Teague – provided underfoot conditions are considered favourable – who takes on just one rival in the ICL Conscious Of Our Impact 'Future Stars' Silver Bowl Novices' Chase (1.50) after Dan Skelton withdrew second favourite Deafening Silence because of the good ground.

“It’s been really difficult finding races for novice chasers like him but we have to start somewhere,” Nicholls said. “We’ll make sure the ground is okay when we get there, but while he’s only run on good to soft or soft ground, it was more circumstances than anything.”

While the title of this race is a mouthful, its claim of producing future stars is justified. Last year, Stay Away Fay won before following up in a Grade 2 at Sandown. Among those beaten by him at Exeter was Grey Dawning, winner of the final running of the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Captain Teague and Paul NichollsCredit: Edward Whitaker

Top-level performers Thyme Hill, Threeunderthrufive, Ballyoptic and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Native River have also participated in this three-mile contest in recent years.

“We won the race last year with Stay Away Fay and went on to Sandown, which is the sort of programme we have in mind for this horse,” Nicholls said. “We gave him wind surgery over the summer, it was minor really, and we’re looking forward to getting him started."

The one opponent left to take on Captain Teague is Daring Plan, who ran four times over hurdles last season, all at Exeter, and will pick up at least £10,000 in prize-money if completing the course for trainer Sue Gardner and jockey Lucy Gardner.

Read more . . .

JPR One heads the lists as Joe Tizzard looks to add to stable's Haldon Gold Cup haul at Exeter  

'She has a chance on her last run' - Jimmy Frost hoping to provide daughter Bryony a winner with Asian Spice  

'I'm happy with him and we're ready to start' - key analysis and quotes for competitive handicap chase   

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.