Back Tataniano, says Paul Nicholls

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has given followers of Tataniano a major boost when he reported the gelding in great shape for the Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Though the Irish-trained pair of Captain Cee Bee and Sizing Europe head the betting for the two-mile novice event in March, Nicholls is in bullish mood about his six-year-old, who is attempting to make it three out of three over fences at Newbury tomorrow. Having watched owner Andy Stewart's novice work brilliantly on the all-weather gallop yesterday, Nicholls advised punters to "take the 8-1 for Cheltenham while it lasts".

Nicholls said: "Tataniano has looked very impressive at Exeter and Cheltenham. He winged up the hill and seems a different horse since we dropped him back in trip and went chasing. He settles in front and is so fast over his fences."

Nicholls was also upbeat about the prospects of Stewart's recent expensive recruit Pistolet Noir in the opening race at Cheltenham on Saturday.

He added: "We already have one Triumph Hurdle horse in Advisor, who won a nice race at Ascot last week, and Pistolet Noir could be another smart prospect.

"He didn't look anything special when he first arrived here but now he is starting to thrive."