Sport

Nicholls has strong hand at Newbury

RACING: ANDY STEWART is trusting in his partnership with Paul Barber to turn his luck for the better when Aiteen Thirtythree…

Sat Nov 26 2011 - 00:00

RACING:ANDY STEWART is trusting in his partnership with Paul Barber to turn his luck for the better when Aiteen Thirtythree lines up for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury today.

The best Stewart can boast from his runners in the prestigious staying handicap chase is a fifth place, through My Will in 2008, while Barber has tasted success twice with the mighty Denman (2007 and 2009).

Aiteen Thirtythree seems to have a lot going for him as he is proven over the track, and is in the care of Paul Nicholls, who has won the race three times as a trainer to add to his two victories from his riding days.

“He won the good novice chase at this meeting last year and won it very impressively,” said Stewart. “We know he likes Newbury and he’s got a good weight on his back with Neptune Collonges keeping the weights down.

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“Paul Barber has won the race a couple of times with Denman, the best I’ve ever done is when My Will was fifth a few years ago, so I’m really looking forward to it.

“If Great Endeavour stays the trip I think that’s the one we’ve got to beat. I’m sure I’ll be stood next to his owner David Johnson watching the race as we’re good mates and it should be a great day.” Nicholls was pleased with Aiteen Thirtythree’s return to action four weeks ago, when second to Somersby at Kempton.

“Aiteen Thirtythree has won twice around Newbury, is off a favourable weight, in very good order and is ready to go,” said the Ditcheat trainer. “It was a good run the other day as we needed to take the freshness off him.” Nicholls has a strong hand as he also saddles top-weight Neptune Collonges, and the unexposed Michel Le Bon.

He said: “Neptune Collonges will only carry 11st 5lb (with Harry Derham’s claim) – he’s been used to carrying big weights in Grade One races. He’s a bit older and slower now, but, saying that, he’s a year younger than Kauto (Star), so you never know. He’s run well in Gold Cups and ran well in the Argento Chase last year. He’s got a lot of class, and I’m sure he’ll give Harry a great ride.”

Great Endeavour’s trainer David Pipe is confident stamina will not be an issue for the Paddy Power Gold Cup winner. “It looks like the ground is coming in our favour, drying out,” said the trainer.