If he can reproduce what he did last year, he’ll definitely take a bit of beating. He’s a very strong traveller and his jumping really keeps him in the race. Harry Cobden will be on board again and he told Planet Sport: “The track just really suits him and seems to bring out the best in him. The previous year’s winner of the race is always the one to beat and he has definitely taken a step forward since Haydock.” “I think he has got a great chance there is no doubt about it. “Allaho came back and won the other day from his time off, but is he as good as he was? There are plenty of ifs, buts and question marks, but we are very happy with Bravemansgame. “We got outstayed at Haydock by Royale Pagaille, but he has run well there (Kempton) before and it suits him well,” said Nicholls.

While that puts a slight mark against the defending champion, Nicholls feels the case for favourite Allaho is not totally clear, while Shishkin is on a retrieval mission after refusing to start on his seasonal bow at Ascot. The Ditcheat handler also runs 2020 big-race hero Frodon, but it is Bravemansgame who has Nicholls dreaming of more glory, despite two defeats already this term, in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby and the Betfair Chase at Haydock. Kauto Star then dominated, eclipsing Desert Orchid’s four victories by winning five between 20, before Nicholls sent out two more dual winners in Silviniaco Conti and Clan Des Obeaux. See More Business was his first winner in 1997 and he regained the title two years later.

The champion trainer targets the Christmas highlight like no one else and will be seeking his 14th success in the race as he saddles last year’s winner Bravemansgame in the Grade One contest. Paul Nicholls believes there are “plenty of ifs, buts and question marks” about the field for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

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