Nicholls has point to prove

12 April 2012

Paul Nicholls believes Mr Pointment will have to put up an "awesome" display to carry 11st 11lb to victory in the John Smith's Grand National.

Nicholls could have as many as four runners as the champion trainer bids for his first success in the Aintree showpiece on Saturday.

The trainer told At The Races: "He's handicapped right up to the hilt. It will have to be an awesome performance to be winning this race. He just bleeds a fraction all the time. The odd day he'll have a bit of blood in his water bucket. That's just him, he's not a bad bleeder."

He added: "He's that much further down the line, better in his coat and he's going better now. He may have needed the run at Doncaster where the ground was quick. I'm hoping you'll see a better horse on Saturday."

Mr Pointment will be ridden by Sam Thomas, who is out to complete the Gold Cup/Grand National double following his success at Cheltenham on Denman, while Richard Johnson rides Turko.

Nicholls said: "He struggled with his breathing and had an operation in the summer. He won at Sandown, was second in the Hennessy in Ireland, then he was third in the Ryanair over a trip too short for him. He's probably the best horse in the race if we were talking at levels (weights).

"He's only six but he's got plenty of experience. He jumps and I'm very happy with him."

Nicholls expects Cornish Sett to run well for an outsider, adding: "He was second to Simon in the Racing Post Chase last year and has had a breathing operation since his last run. He's related to two Grand National winners. He could hunt round and give Nick Scholfield a ride to remember."

Opera Mundi completes Nicholls quartet but his participation depends on there being enough cut in the ground.

Barry Simpson, racing manager to owner Sir Robert Ogden, said: "My plan is to declare the horse. Because of the reserve system that is in place we are not going to inconvenience anybody and we can be certain we are in the race or out of the race for the right reasons."

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