Aspiring Champion Apprentice Eyes Group-Race Breakthrough at Newmarket on Saturday

“I’m feeling pretty confident,” she said. “Last season he didn’t run to the form he had the year before, despite a good run at Haydock, but he won really impressively last time out at Newmarket so if the rain stays away we’re confident of a positive run from him. We know it’s a big step up for him and for me, because I won’t be claiming, and it will be my first ride in a Group race.

Last time we jumped and he got to the front and because he won the Dash we knew he’d got the speed. I let him roll and he ran away from them down into the Dip and he kept those few lengths I got on the field.” She added: “We definitely think this race is worth a go.”

Nicholls will go into the race in good form having struck aboard Uncle Dick for her boss Eve Johnson Houghton at Brighton on Wednesday, and she is hoping Saturday can mark the start to a productive season challenging for apprentice title honours. “It’s great for me with the apprentice championship starting on Saturday. Hopefully we can get two good runs and it can put me in good stead for the season ahead.

My goal this season is to be in the championship running.” Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place.