Tataniano may not make Champion line-up

Paul Nicholls admits Tataniano is facing a battle to be ready in time for the sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase.

A Grade 1 winner at Aintree as a novice, he has only been seen once this season when third at Cheltenham's Paddy Power meeting and is the stable's third string on betting for the two-mile title after Master Minded and Woolcombe Folly.

"It's difficult - I'm just struggling with him," said Nicholls.

"He was lame about three weeks ago and he's fine now, but I have told Andy (Stewart, owner) that it's not the end of the world if he goes to Aintree and Punchestown."