Caldwell Potter © Photo Healy Racing
Paul Nicholls is likely to take the wraps off his new recruit Caldwell Potter at Newbury next week.
The former Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old changed hands for €740,000 in February, but did not run for his new connections in the spring.
He was bought by Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason, John Hales and Peter Done, who enjoyed a memorable time with their runners both at home and abroad over the weekend.
Caldwell Potter had a gentle gallop at the Berkshire track on Tuesday morning, in company with stablemate Captain Teague, who had a walkover at Exeter recently.
“Captain Teague and Caldwell Potter are on a par with each other. They are both ready to run and both will have an entry in the John Francombe next Friday, but we might just leave Captain Teague to go for the three-miler at Sandown the week after,” said Nicholls.
“I’d always had in my mind for him to go to Exeter, then Sandown and then Kempton for the Kauto Star.
“Caldwell Potter went beautifully so they are ready to run. I’m glad we didn’t run him in the spring, he’s a different animal now, he’s had a nice prep, looks good and we are itching to get him good.”
The work was part of the build up to the Coral Gold Cup and Nicholls is very sweet on the chances of his intended runner in the big race.
“I was very pleased with Kandoo Kid, he worked beautifully and Nico (de Boinville) said he felt amazing. He runs in the Coral Gold Cup and I’ve always targeted it since he won at Aintree. He loves it here and he loves being fresh,” he told Sky Sports Racing.
“Inch House is a month behind the others as when Jonjo (O’Neill) had him he had quite a nasty injury so he’s playing catch up. He may run in the Sir Peter O’Sullevan, but he’ll come on for the run.
“I was also impressed with Regent’s Stroll. They only went half-speed and then quickened up. He’ll run here either Friday or Saturday, depending on the ground. He’s ready to roll.
“You can’t not be excited, he’s got size and scope and was unbeaten in two races. I was impressed with what I saw then and so was Harry (Cobden).”
Dan Skelton was another who took the opportunity to work his Coral Gold Cup hope, Heltenham.
“We’ll probably dip our toe in the big race. He’s never gone three-mile-two,” said Skelton.
“I think he’ll stay it, but the great thing about not having done it is we don’t know he won’t, it’s not like we’re asking him to do something we know he can’t do. I think he’s unbeaten here which is helpful as well.”
Harry Derham was also in attendance with Queens Gamble, partnered by Kieran Shoemark, an intended runner in the Gerry Fielden, while Ben Pauling is considering the main even for Henry’s Friend.
