Can Paul Nicholls make it a perfect ten in the Greatwood Gold Cup?

3.15 NewburyWilliam Hill Supporting Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) | 2m4f | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

Even Paul Nicholls doesn’t know the reason why, but the 11-time champion trainer boasts a truly remarkable record in the Greatwood Gold Cup with nine wins.

The race was not introduced until 2004, which means that Nicholls has won nine of the 15 runnings – he shared the prize with Martin Pipe in 2006 after Cornish Sett and Horus dead-heated.

Punters have latched on to that fact and Nicholls’ trio of runners – Secret Investor, San Benedeto and Mont Des Avaloirs – have all been near the head of betting for the Grade 3 handicap this week.

“There’s no real reason why we’ve done so well in the race over the years,” Nicholls said. “It's a race I like to target and it seems to suit our horses.”

San Benedeto, winner of this race 12 months ago from Gala Ball, returns to defend his crown on the back of defeats at Market Rasen and here this season.

However, testing conditions might not be ideal and Nicholls warned: "He’s in good form but I wouldn’t want it too soft for him."

Secret Investor is another whose chance might be compromised by further heavy downpours. “He runs well on a flat track but wouldn’t want much more rain,” the trainer said.

Mont Des Avaloirs, the mount of Bryony Frost, boasts some rock-solid Newbury form, including when runner-up to Sussex Ranger last time.

“He ran a really good race over a trip too far for him last time out,” Nicholls said. “I’ve had this race in mind for him. He’ll run well.”

Key stat

Gala Ball has only finished outside the first two once in seven starts at Newbury.

What they say

Dan Skelton, trainer of Bennys King
He’s got a big chance back at the scene of his big triumph at the Ladbrokes Trophy meeting. He ran well last time.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Gala Ball
He’s in good form. It’s a very competitive race but the soft ground will suit.

Sean Curran, trainer of Domaine De L’Isle
He’s gone up in the weights after his three wins, but he still gives me the impression he can win off his new mark of 146. He's going there with every chance. The ground was too testing over three miles for him at Ascot last time.

Alan King, trainer of Valdez
He was only beaten a few lengths when third in this race 12 months ago, so hopefully he can go two better. He ran well behind Native River in the Denman Chase at Newbury last time but did not quite get home over three miles.

Gary Moore, trainer of Not Another Muddle
I’m a bit concerned about two and a half miles in testing ground on his first start back. He has been galloping well at home.

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