Paul Nicholls: Running Plans Update

Paul will be confirming three runners for next weekend's Betfair Hurdle

Ambassador Paul Nicholls updates us on his running plans for next week.

I just wanted to update you on a few running plans.
 
I have spoken to John Hales this morning, and we plan to run Unioniste in the 3m novice chase on the Betfair Super Saturday card at Newbury on February 9th.
 
We won the race with Denman - who is due to parade next Saturday - before his win in the Sun Alliance in 2007 and this will tell us more about what Festival route to go down with Unioniste.
 
I have also scratched Tidal Bay from the Irish Hennessy next Saturday, as he won't be ready in time.
 
As you know, he missed the Argento as he was slightly lame. He is fine now, but I am not going to rush him. He will go straight to the Festival, and we will make a decision on what race he contests there nearer the time, when we have a better idea on the ground.
 
Back to Newbury next Saturday, Silviniaco Conti is on schedule to run in the Denman Chase and I will also be confirming three for the Betfair Hurdle; Pearl Swan, Dark Lover and Caid Du Berlais.
 
Pearl Swan has come on really well from his second in a jumpers' bumper - where his run delighted me, in truth - and he would be my number one hope for the race.