Natal further strengthens Nicholls' Xmas challenge Paul Nicholls has confirmed that Natal will be part of his strong raiding party at Leopardstown over Christmas in the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase on December 27. The champion trainer has already confirmed Neptune Collonges will run in the Lexus Chase, and Tatenen will go for the Durkan New Homes Novice Chase. Nicholls also has Twist Magic among the 11 'Dial-A-Bet' possibles but Natal, runner-up to his stablemate in the Kerrygold Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival, unseated Nick Schofield on his last start in the Peterborough Chase and is an intended starter. 'Natal definitely goes for the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase. He was unseated last week and there is no more to say as he only went four fences - he's fine and the intention is to run,' said Nicholls. 'He's won on all sorts of ground and horses like him are not too fussy so Leopardstown should be fine. He's quite versatile regarding trip and ran quite well at Punchestown in the spring and in a Sandown handicap (both over two miles).' 'He'll have an entry in the Champion Chase and at Punchestown in the spring. He's right up the handicap and not easy to place but we'll see what he can do.' 'Twist Magic is a possible for the Dial-A-Bet, but if it came up very soft at Leopardstown, he also has the option of Kempton. I will discuss it with the owners.' Paddy Power spokesman Paddy Power said, 'I'm delighted that Paul intends having at least one runner in the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase. The home team will be anxious to repel the English challenge and let's bring it on!'
