Paul Nicholls knows exactly who to send to Sedgefield – and Paddy De Pole proves the point with back-to-back wins

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Paddy De Pole ensured Paul Nicholls' fine strike-rate at the track was maintained when he claimed back-to-back wins in the 3m3f handicap hurdle.

When Nicholls sends a runner to the track it pays to take notice. Paddy De Pole's two wins have contributed to the trainer's six victories from nine runners at Sedgefield in the last five seasons.

Ridden by Freddie Keighley, the eight-year-old secured a first win since the pair struck in the race 12 months ago, having run only three times in between, and once again it came by a small margin with a half-length success over Fairlawn Skipper.

Keighley said: "He jumped and travelled lovely and didn't over-race, which is what you need over that trip. 

“He obviously likes the undulations and the quirkiness of Sedgefield, and the ground is a big thing for him as well. He bounces off quick ground. 

"The stats don't guarantee anything, but they don't lie either. Paul knows the type of horse to send because it's a quirky track and not every horse enjoys it."

Time for Tralee

Tralee Girl was beaten at odds-on on her previous start in April but she put that defeat behind her and made all to justify 4-9 favouritism in the 2m1f mares' maiden hurdle.

Having won three of her eight starts on the Flat for Michael Bell, the filly joined Dan Skelton in October last year and got off the mark over hurdles at the fifth attempt.

Mr McWins

Mr McWhinny made it three wins from five starts since joining Tom Ellis when dominating the 2m3½f handicap chase.

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