A SUN-SOAKED Paul Nicholls took time out of his holiday to talk up the chances of his huge 33-1 Grand National fancy.
The legendary Ditcheat trainer simply ‘cannot wait’ to go to the world’s most famous race with Kandoo Kid.
🗒️ Paul's Ditcheat Diray
— Betfair Racing (@BetfairRacing) January 13, 2025
No runners last weekend for team Ditcheat but @BetfairBarry caught up with @PFNicholls to discuss some stable stars, their Cheltenham targets and a fantastic weekend of Racing at Windsor and Ascot to come! pic.twitter.com/G22NjCFEyh
The nine-year-old Coral Gold Cup winner won’t run again before the weights are revealed on Tuesday, February 11.
Victtorino, who finished third behind Kandoo Kid, has since won the Grade 3 Howden Silver Cup at Ascot.
While the fifth Henry’s Friend won the valuable Mandarin Handicap Chase at Newbury over Christmas.
With the form well and truly franked, Nicholls wants to keep Kandoo Kid’s mark protected before the big one on Saturday, April 5.
The Betfair ambassador, who was enjoying the weather in Barbados, said: “He’s in great shape. I’m not definitely going to run him before the National weights come out and risk getting any more.
“He keeps going up without running because everything behind him is winning.
“He’s 152 now and I want to keep him there – he is brilliant fresh and has been round Aintree.
“If we think he needs a run I might look at a 2m4f race at Newbury in early March.
“He’s in good shape and we can’t wait to go to Aintree.”
While Nicholls other stable stars including former King George winner Bravemansgame will also be entered.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”‘She looks top drawer’ purrs Willie Mullins after Rich Ricci’s ‘special’ new horse bolts up on debut” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366575067112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]He will fill a spot along with multiple Graded winner Threeunderthrufive.
Nicholls added: “Bravemansgame and Threeunderthrufive will definitely be entered.
“Bravemansgame probably won’t run, although he could go in the Denman Chase and then onto Aintree.”
Grand National odds via Betfair
14-1 I Am Maximus
16-1 Intense Raffles
25-1 Minella Cocooner, Corbetts Cross, Iroko, Stumptown, Minella Drama, Kandoo Kid
33-1 Galvin, Minella Indo, Inothewayurthinkin, Nick Rockett, Its On The Line, Monty’s Star, Gentlemansgame, King Turgeon, Beauport
40-1 Bar