'Harry's got to make his mind up' - Hitman poses King George dilemma for Cobden

Saturday: Haydock

Paul Nicholls believes stable jockey Harry Cobden could face a King George dilemma after Hitman advertised his Kempton credentials with a dominant success in the 2m5½f graduation chase.

The champion trainer already has the King George favourite in Bravemansgame, and stablemate Hitman impressed the bookmakers with his odds for the Christmas showpiece cut to 7-1 (from 10-1) by sponsors Ladbrokes.

Racing beyond 2m4f for the first time, last year's Tingle Creek runner-up justified his 8-13 SP by readily drawing clear under Cobden to win by 11 lengths from Erne River.

Nicholls said: "For a six-year-old rated 160, we've been patient with him and he's run some really good races for a young horse and is just becoming the finished article now.

"He's got an entry for the King George and I'd say that's where we'll be heading. I might give a couple of other entries, but I'd say the plan would be to go to the King George and Harry has got to make his mind up whether he rides Bravemansgame or this fella."

Part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, Hitman became Nicholls' ninth winner of a race he has used as a springboard to success at the highest level with the likes of Clan Des Obeaux and Politologue.

Bravemansgame also went on to Grade 1 glory after winning this contest last year, and Nicholls thinks Hitman is closely matched with last month's Charlie Hall Chase winner.

"I don't think there's much between them. I think this horse is massively improving and I think three miles will bring out more improvement," Nicholls added.

"He's run some really good races and is progressive, and wherever Bravemansgame finishes, he won't be far away."

Nicholls has another Grade 1 target in his sights after eight-length Chepstow winner Tahmuras made it two from two over hurdles by landing the Listed 2m novice event.

The trainer said: "It was a surprise when he won so easily at Chepstow. That was a good step forward and he'll go straight to the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown now.

"That track will suit him better than the easy two miles round here. He's a super horse and I'm very pleased. He's one of our better novice hurdlers."

Tahmuras: set for the Grade 1 Tolworth after making it two out of two over hurdlesCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The mighty Quinn

Conditional jockey Caoilin Quinn was initially "speechless" after winning much the biggest race of his career when forcing Botox Has in front on the run-in to land the £125,000 Betfair Exchange Stayers' Handicap Hurdle.

The 7lb claimer, 21 and originally from Downpatrick in Northern Ireland, has been with winning trainer Gary Moore since August and said: "It hasn't quite sunk in yet.

"I can't thank Mr Moore enough. He's trusted me with some very good rides. Hopefully I can keep delivering for him."

The 17-2 shot scored by just over two lengths from Get A Tonic, and Quinn said: "I was handy enough the whole way, I winged the last and he really stuck his head down and battled for me.

"The more you ask him, the more he gives you. He's still unexposed, there's still plenty of improvement in him."

Break no issue for Alexander

Who needs match practice? Kit Alexander had not ridden under rules since January, but showed he goes well fresh by landing the £50,000 2m3f handicap hurdle on new recruit Stainsby Girl.

The amateur was in front and clear a long way from home yet had plenty left in the straight to score by nearly four lengths.

Kit Alexander won on Stainsby Girl on his first ride under rules since JanuaryCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"I was a bit worried coming back against experienced jockeys that I would be rusty, but she's looked after me," he said.

Trainer Nick Alexander, his father, added: "Kit only rides his own horses now. He bought the horse himself and I'm delighted for him.

"My heart was in my mouth because I didn't think she would necessarily get home, her last two wins have been over two miles. Kit said he kept expecting them to come past him, but they didn't."

Elsewhere on the card, Venetia Williams had her first winner of the season as Fontaine Collonges collected the concluding 3m handicap chase under Tom Scudamore.

Bryony scores for England

Bryony Frost provided a good omen for England in Qatar when winning the World Cup charity race in the country's white and red silks.

After picking up the trophy from former England player and manager Glenn Hoddle, Frost said: "It was a good bit of fun – the crowd absolutely loved it. England have won which is a bonus."

Bryony Frost shows her delight at winning the World Cup charity race for EnglandCredit: John Grossick

Frost won the 5f dash on the Paul Nicholls-trained Pleasant Man, after which Betfair donated £10,000 to the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Replays, results and analysis

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