Tataniano straight to Cheltenham

The ex-Pat Doyle-trained 'pointer' Tataniano is set to be thrown in at the deep end for his first start since November with trainer Paul Nicholls planning to send him direct to the sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham.

The winner of the Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree last spring has made just one appearance this term, finishing third to Gauvain in a conditions chase at Cheltenham.

He had been expected to be in action in Saturday's totepool Game Spirit Chase at Newbury but his stable are to be represented by only Woolcombe Folly and Tchico Polos in that event.

"Tataniano had a little setback and wasn't going to be ready for the Game Spirit," said Nicholls.

"Hopefully he'll go straight to the Queen Mother now."