Nicholls confident of ending Gold Cup drought

Trainer Paul Nicholls is confident that Clan Des Obeaux can end his 10-year drought in the Gold Cup as he looks for his fifth victory in the race next month (Clan Des Obeaux 4/1 To Win Race).

The seven-year-old is the second favourite for the big race at Prestbury Park after his stunning win at Ascot earlier this month.

He followed up his Boxing Day success at Kempton with victory in the rearranged Denman Chase and bookies slashed his price as a result.

The 2018 King George VI chase winner could provide Nicholls with his first victory in the race since Kauto Star in 2009.

Clan Des Obeaux has yet to win on his first four trips to Cheltenham but Nicholls says he is not concerned by previous results.

The Ditcheat-handler told reporters: “Everyone keeps saying he hasn’t won at Cheltenham in four starts. The first time he ran there as a juvenile, he was only just beaten in a Listed race.

“He should have never run in the Triumph Hurdle – at the time he was part-owned by Jared Sullivan, and he wanted to run him.

“He is an experienced horse that has matured, and he has done the talking himself in the last few runs.

“We are really excited about running him in the Gold Cup. We don’t know what he will be end up being rated, or where he will end up.

Presenting Percy is his main rival in the Betfred market at 4/1, while Native River is priced at 11/2 to defend his crown after winning the Friday feature in 2018.

Odds subject to change