Yard reacts to Nicholls concerns
February 21, 2012 09:38:42 UK
David Pipe's yard has reacted to the news that Paul Nicholls' horses are coughing with a mixture of concern and reassurance for the country's top trainer.
It can be difficult to know if the horses are over it until they run.
Chester Barnes
Assistant trainer Chester Barnes whilst admitting 'it's the last thing he needs with Cheltenham around the corner', refuses to over-react to the news.
Speaking on the yard's website he said: "It can be difficult to know if the horses are over it until they run. Some people are making a big issue out of the fact that he has had only one winner this month.
"But let's remember we have lost loads of meetings to the weather so it is not really a fair reflection. Zarkandar was still able to land the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury last week, while a number of others performed creditably at the weekend.
"Even so, he has cancelled his Cheltenham Press Day tomorrow, so he is obviously concerned."
Nicholls may have a better idea what shape the yard is in after Taunton's meeting today where he sends three runners - all of whom would, in other circumstances, probably be favourites.
He sends classy Dualla Lord for the first (2.00), Cheltenham entrant Edgardo Sol (3.40) and Foggy's Wall for the 5.20.
Edgardo Sol is 9.00 to win the 3.40 at the Somerset track, with Dare Me 3.50 and Sire De Grugy 3.50.
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