Another Clan Des Obeaux? Nicholls upbeat despite Dipper defeat for Monmiral

Monmiral could manage only second in the Dipper Novices' Chase at Cheltenham on Sunday but trainer Paul Nicholls believes the best is yet to come from the six-year-old after his second start over fences.

He finished second behind short-priced Sporting Life Arkle favourite Jonbon on his chasing debut and was again runner-up when finishing three and a quarter lengths behind 10-1 shot The Real Whacker.

Clan Des Obeaux was second in the 2017 Dipper Novices' Chase, after finishing sixth in the Triumph Hurdle the previous season, and Nicholls sees similarities between the dual King George VI Chase winner and his stablemate Monmiral following his first start at Cheltenham.

"It was a decent run," said Nicholls. "He's still a big baby and I still think he's quite weak. He'll want three miles in time but until he has the strength to get the trip we'll be running as we are. I'm pleased with him. He'll keep progressing but he needs to mature a little bit.

"I've not made a plan for him yet. I might try to find a beginners' chase next to try to get his head in front but, saying that, we could aim him high then try to win something as a novice next season.

"Clan Des Obeaux ran here as a four and five-year-old and ran well but just didn't get home. Suddenly, when he was six and got that strength, he took his form to another level. I think Monmiral is the same. He's nowhere near the finished article and just needs time."

Monmiral won the Grade 1 Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree after an unbeaten campaign but was winless in three starts over hurdles last season and chased home Epatante in the Aintree Hurdle in April. He then took on two rivals on his chase debut at Warwick in November.

Despite the Dipper reverse it has been a productive week for the Nicholls yard, which landed the King George with Bravemansgame and Saturday's Challow Hurdle with Hermes Allen.

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