Nicholls goes in search of fourth sandown victory

The champion trainer has won the last three renewals of the Grade One contest registered as the Tolworth Hurdle with Noland, Silverburn and Breedsbreeze, the last two years having been abandoned.

This season Nicholls has entered his exciting juvenile Sam Winner, although he is expected to run at Chepstow, and easy Haydock scorer Toubab.

Nicky Henderson has two interesting entries in Gibb River, who won on the bridle at Plumpton on Sunday, and Minella Class, a winner on his debut for the yard at Newbury.

That day he beat a smart former Flat performer in Red Merlin, who was making his debut for Donald McCain, and the pair could clash again.

McCain has also entered Drill Sergeant, easily brushed aside by Toubab last time out.

"They are both in there, but I don't necessarily have to run either of them as it depends on the ground. Red Merlin could go if the ground wasn't too bad, but I'd have to look at what else might be running. Drill Sergeant is in everywhere," said McCain.

Alan King has entered Araldur, a smart novice chaser two years ago who has been hit by injury, while Gary Moore could run Megastar.

Our Girl Salley will be aimed at the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March after her easy victory at Leopardstown last week.

The Prunella Dobbs-trained six-year-old toyed with decent opposition at Listed level and will now step up in class.