Collonges Walks The Walk

Paul Nicholls believes Neptune Collonges has a 'fair chance' of going one better in the BGC Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot tomorrow.

The ex-French gelding was second behind My Way De Solzen in this race 12 months ago when it was run at Chepstow, but both his starts this term have been over fences.

After finishing runner-up to Our Vic in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby in October, he defied top weight to win the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle three weeks ago.

'He's crept up the handicap over fences and there aren't too many ideal opportunities for him over Christmas,' said the champion trainer.

'He was second in the race last year at Chepstow and we think he's got a fair chance on Saturday.'

However, Nicholls revealed that Neptune Collonges, owned by John Hales, would revert to the bigger obstacles in the New Year.

'He'll definitely have an entry in the Gold Cup and for him you'd like to think the ground at Cheltenham would be on the softer side.

'I don't know where he'd go after the race this weekend, we'll probably put him back over fences for something like the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham at the end of January would suit him,' Nicholls told At The Races.

Neptune Collonges is 11-4 second-favourite with totesport behind even-money shot Mighty Man, who heads a field of 10 declared for the Grade One contest.

(C) PA Sport