Queen Mother Next For Ned

Nicky Richards is preparing Simply Ned for another crack at Douvan in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham.

The Greystoke trainer's stable stalwart picked up just under £10,000 for finishing fifth behind Dodging Bullets in the 2015 renewal and invariably collects decent prize money in major races around two miles.

Third to Douvan in the Grade One Paddy Power Cashcard Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, Simply Ned will have to take on Willie Mullins' superstar again.

"He's in grand fettle. He's had a good old break after Leopardstown and hopefully we're bringing him back fresh ready to have a go at the big boy (Douvan).

"It's great prize money down to fourth and fifth. The old horse owes us nothing."

There would have to be plenty of cut in the ground for Richards to run Baywing in the JT McNamara National Hunt Challenge Cup Chase over four miles.

Baywing caused a 33-1 upset when landing the Grade Two Towton Novices' Chase at Wetherby in February on his favoured soft ground.

"He's very ground dependent. If it comes up real soft, heavy, he'll be there. If not, he won't go. It's as simple as that," said Richards.

"He's in the four-miler and I'd say he'll stay the trip very well. He's in grand fettle. I'm just bringing him to the boil now. He's in good order.

"If he doesn't run there, he'll go to Uttoxeter for a £30,000 novice handicap chase on the Saturday after Cheltenham.

"Nine times out of 10 it's soft ground there, so it might be the same this year. That's my back-up plan."