Horse racing trainer Paul Nicholls has tipped Pic D’Orhy’s to have a big performance at this weekend’s Betfair Ascot Chase.
The event, which takes place this Saturday at Ascot Racecourse, would see Nicholls become the most successful trainer in the race’s history if Pic D’Orhy is to win.
“Pic D’Orhy has always had plenty of ability and he’s a little like Bravemansgame in that he’s massive and has just taken all this time to mature,” said Nicholls.
“He wasn’t jumping that well in his first season over fences but he’s been fantastic on that score this season. He’s the finished article now and hopefully will keep improving.
“It was one of his best performances at Kempton. We weren’t convinced about the soft ground – he’s much better on good ground – but he won well. This is the biggest race of his career but he’s up for it.
“If he’s going to compete in the Ryanair and at Aintree, he needs to be right in the mix. I’ve got a feeling he’ll go very well and he couldn’t be going into it in better form.”
In the Grade One contest, Pic D’Orhy will be up against Shishkin.
Nicholls continued: “”Since his younger days I’ve always been convinced that he would make a smart chaser.
“There were some hiccups along the way but he has really come good this season and has earned a shot at this Grade one prize after winning Grade two races on his last two starts.
“Pic D’Orhy is more mature now, comes to Ascot in the form of his life and has a lovely chance.”
