The highly-regarded Caldwell Potter could be set for a first outing under the care of Paul Nicholls at Newbury next week.
Purchased for a staggering sum of €740,000 in February by owners Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason, John Hales and Peter Done, who must be pinching themselves at present after notable triumphs at Cheltenham and in Bahrain over the weekend, Caldwell Potter hasn't been sighted on the racecourse since winning the Grade 1 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown for Gordon Elliott last Christmas.
The scopey six-year-old, who is now trained under the watchful eye of Paul Nicholls, looks set to make his debut for new connections at Newbury next week after having a racecourse gallop under Freddie Gingell at the Berkshire venue this morning. Caldwell Potter was joined by the Harry Cobden-ridden stablemate Captain Teague, who was the subject of a walkover at Exeter earlier this month.
Speaking on Sky Sports Racing, Nicholls said: "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,"
"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."
Nicholls also used the opportunity to exercise his hugely exciting bumper winner Regent's Stroll, who looks sure to take high rank in the novice hurdle division this season, and Kandoo Kid, who impressed the Ditcheat handler as he gears up to run in the Coral Gold Cup back at Newbury on November 30th.
Nicholls added: "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,"
"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)."
