Riding Cue Card will not faze cool-headed Cobden says Nicholls

Paul Nicholls has every confidence teenage jockey Harry Cobden can handle the responsibility of riding public favourite Cue Card in the Betfair Chase.

The 19-year-old, the champion conditional last season, will be thrust into the big-race spotlight after being picked to replace Paddy Brennan at Haydock on November 25.

But his boss and champion trainer Nicholls believes Cobden has the super-cool temperament to handle the pressure of riding the multiple Grade 1 winner.

Cobden's biggest wins to date have come on Irving in last year's Fighting Fifth Hurdle and at Aintree this year where he rode Ultragold to victory for Tizzard, who is making increasing use of him.

As a result he is now behind only Sam Twiston-Davies in the Nicholls stable pecking order, with Nick Scholfield having moved on this season.

Nicholls said: "I had spoken to Joe [Tizzard] on Tuesday and said I would try to make sure Harry was free. At the end of the day there could be a scenario where if Sam had a knock and I had a load of runners at Ascot I would need Harry there – he is number two here – but that is very unlikely.

"I have nothing to run in the Betfair Chase so that won't be a problem and I shall probably have runners at Haydock that day as well."

It won't faze him at all

Cobden was still at school when Cue Card made his debut but has made rapid strides since he joined the riding ranks in March 2015.

Nicholls said: "His age won't make any difference, he is a good jockey. He is a good lad who rides well and he will ride Cue Card well. Riding in such a big race will be no problem to him whatsoever. He is very cool. It won't faze him at all, that's why he's good. He'll be fine.

"If he and Cue Card click and it goes well I will be well pleased for him. He has come a long way in a short time. You can only do your best trying to help those fellows.

"He has got a job here as well and he knows that. I am sure we can all work together to make sure he is available on the days Cue Card runs."

Paddy stays on Theatre

Brennan rode Cue Card to two wins in the Betfair Chase and one in the King George VI Chase but after two falls in three starts their 13-race association has been brought to an end by trainer Colin Tizzard.

He will continue to ride other Jean Bishop-owned horses including Theatre Guide, who is due to contest the Badger Ales Chase at Wincanton on Saturday.

"I think Paddy will ride," Tizzard's son Joe said on Thursday. "His agent said this morning he'd be available." Brennan declined to comment.

King George winner Thistlecrack will gallop at WincantonCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Big three gallop

Cue Card will limber up for the Betfair Chase in a racecourse gallop with stablemates Thistlecrack and Fox Norton before racing at Wincanton on Saturday.

It will be the first public appearance for Thistlecrack since he was sidelined by injury after being beaten by Many Clouds at Cheltenham in January.

The trio will be joined in a parade at 11.45am by 2012 Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby. Tizzard said: “We love Wincanton and are delighted to be able to canter all three King George VI Chase contenders ahead of racing this Saturday. I’m sure racegoers will be pleased to see the such quality horses in action.”

Thistlecrack is due to return to action in Newbury’s Long Distance Hurdle on December 1. Champion Chase runner-up Fox Norton’s seasonal reappearance is scheduled for Cheltenham’s Shloer Chase on November 19.

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