Nicholls ready for Festival clash

Ruby Walsh triumphed on Azertyuiop 12 months ago

Paul Nicholls admits that he is looking forward to witnessing Azertyuiop clash with Moscow Flyer and Well Chief in the Champion Chase.

"Everyone wants to win Gold Cups and Nationals of course, but to win the Champion Chase for a third time would give me great pleasure," he commented.

"I really love two-mile chasers and these three are the best for some time.

"If they all jump the second last together then it is going to be some race - it's really exciting."

Nicholls said he will have no excuses for Azertyuiop should he get beaten.

"I do feel we have something still to rove as people gave the horse a bit f stick for getting beaten in the Tingle Creek," he explained.

"Cheltenham is a different ball game, he likes the place and going left-handed. He'll make them work for it.

"He's well enough now for me to say that if he gets beaten it will have been by a better horse on the day."