ISAAC ATTACK

Nicholls' stayer executes plan at Uttoxeter

- DAVID YATES

PAUL NICHOLLS had Ditcheat stable jockeys present and future to thank as Isaac Des Obeaux pulled off a 28-1 surprise in the JenningsBet Midlands Grand National.

Harry Cobden, who leaves his role as No.1 jockey to the 14-time champion trainer to join JP McManus at the end of the campaign, rode the eight-year-old to land a three-mile handicap chase at Exeter a week before Christmas.

Cobden told Nicholls to aim Isaac Des Obeaux at the Midlands National, whose distance of four miles, two furlongs and eight yards is just 66 yards short of the Grand National at Aintree.