Not even the weather can halt the winners for dominant Paul Nicholls

Sunday: Sandown

Paul Nicholls' irresistible run of form continued as he saddled two of the three winners at Sandown before racing was abandoned in the interest of safety following heavy rain.

Following a four-timer at Wincanton on Saturday, Nicholls made it 21 winners from his last 53 runners thanks to Halo Des Obeaux's win in the 2m4f handicap hurdle for conditional riders and Solo's success in the 2m4f limited handicap chase for novices.

"It's been an amazing fortnight," said the 13-time champion trainer, who moved past the half century of winners for the season.

"We changed the feed and a few things this year and I think the horses look bigger and stronger. I was never happy they were ever right last year, especially in the spring. They look better this year than they have for a long time and they're running better."

Halo Des Obeaux provided 10lb claimer Freddie Gingell with his first winner for Nicholls, who was full of praise for the 16-year-old grandson of former trainer Colin Tizzard. Gingell joined the team at Ditcheat at the start of the season.

"He's a good lad and did what I told him," said the trainer. "It's a long way up that hill and I told him not to go too soon. That was ideal. He's hard working and his dad brings him in every day. He'll be a good lad for the future."

Halo Des Obeaux is likely to have one more start over hurdles before going over fences, according to Nicholls, who was chuffed with Solo's comfortable victory under Harry Cobden.

"He was a bit unlucky not to win on his first run at Ascot last season but then he completely fell apart and lost his bottle jumping," he said. "I knew he'd come back right and he's fitter and more mature now. He galloped all the way to the line today. We've done serious work to get him fit because he's a big tank of a horse.

"I'm not saying he'll win Grade 1s but he'll be a great fun horse and win plenty of races at the right level. He can go into open handicap company or stay in novice company, so we'll see what we do next."

Tolworth target

Jamie Snowden is eyeing the Grade 1 Unibet Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle back at Sandown On January 7 for Colonel Harry, who ploughed through the heavy ground to land the 2m maiden hurdle by seven lengths under Gavin Sheehan.

"The Tolworth has kind of been in the back of our minds," revealed the trainer. "He's a nice horse and we've loved him from day one. He wants deep ground and two miles is his trip."

Snowden reported stablemate and Old Roan Chase third Ga Law to have come out his comeback run at Aintree in fine shape and has "high hopes" he can be competitive in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Results, replays and analysis

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