Nicholls’ hope ready to step up for double

NOW Isaac Des Obeaux has a win over fences on his CV, he can swiftly double up in the Download The Oddschecker App Somerset National Handicap Chase at Wincanton today.

- By ANITA CHAMBERS

Paul Nicholls

Isaac Des Obeaux was far from an instant success in that sphere either, ending his first campaign without a win in four starts but a wind operation last summer seemingly had the desired effect as after a warm-up run, he opened his account by five lengths at Exeter last month.

The eight-year-old mixed it with some classy types over hurdles, beating Haiti Couleurs on one occasion and finishing third to Gidleigh Park in Grade Two company on another, but Paul Nicholls’ charge was short of that calibre and subsequently had his attentions switched to fences last season.