Nicholls expects big future for Flash Collonges as debut win leaves him stunned

Paul Nicholls' decision to unleash some of his hottest young prospects across a quality card at Exeter was rewarded with four winners, but it was the shock success of newcomer Flash Collonges in particular which left him relishing the future.

The 11-time champion trainer was expecting a midfield effort on his debut but the Gi Gi Syndicate's five-year-old proved far better as he quickened impressively and, despite idling, held off his challengers by three-quarters of a length. Betfair Sportsbook made him a 33-1 chance for the Ballymore.

"That was a pleasant surprise," said Nicholls of the 10-1 shot. "He's a big baby, he's never been off the pace or away for a gallop or anything. He's taken time to come to himself, he's a great big horse and I thought if he finished fifth or sixth today he'd improve tenfold for the run. He's still green as grass.