Paul Nicholls has made clear his faith in No Drama This End all season. Now, with his horse’s position atop the Turners Novices’ Hurdle market weakening, he believes “the horse has done his talking.”
As reported by the Press Association via Racing TV, Nicholls spoke of his admiration for his de facto Cheltenham captain.
“The horse has done his talking with three runs and three wins and he can’t do anymore than what he’s done.
“He’s obviously a smart horse, but whether he’s smart enough to win the Turners, then who knows, but we’re looking forward to it.”
Denman comparisons to be put to the test
It is inevitable that when Paul Nicholls unearths a potential star, they will be compared to Kauto Star and Denman.
Nicholls usually buys into that hype, however. The Ditcheat master has never been afraid to talk up his talents, himself saying No Drama This End reminded him of Denman.
That subsequent Gold Cup winner ran in the Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle (now the Turners) in 2006. In a rare defeat, he could manage only second, proving a much better chaser thereafter.
Therefore, should No Drama This End fall short in the Turners, it does not preclude his future prospects. The grey was only ninth in the Champion Bumper last season, but has upped his game this term.
Nicholls is unperturbed in his approach ahead of this season’s Cheltenham Festival. No Drama This End would appear to be one of the easier horses to prepare.
“He’ll have a couple of away days before Cheltenham and I’m very happy with him. He looks great and I saw him work on Saturday morning and thought he’s coming along really well.”
The Turners Novices’ Hurdle takes place as the opening race on Wednesday 11 March at the Cheltenham Festival.