Le aims to continue Nicholls domination Le Mercurey could bid to extend Paul Nicholls' recent domination of the Titanic Belfast Chase at Down Royal on Saturday. The Ditcheat handler has a formidable record in the Grade Two event, with Ptit Zig providing him with a seventh win in eight years when triumphing in last season's renewal. Le Mercurey is set to head to County Antrim with solid claims. The six-year-old made a flying start to his career over fences with victories at Plumpton and Ascot last season and while he disappointed in his next three starts, he rounded off his campaign with an impressive display in the Future Champion Novices' Chase at Ayr. He is the only British-trained contender among 13 possible runners in the two-mile-three-furlong contest. Gordon Elliott has Lord Scoundrel, Outlander, Roi Des Francs, Shadow Catcher and The Game Changer in the mix. Willie Mullins' only possible representative is Avant Tout, a leading contender for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on November 26th. The Mouse Morris-trained Alpha Des Obeaux, Noel Meade's Monksland, Henry de Bromhead's Sub Lieutenant and Zabana from Andrew Lynch's yard are also possibles. Keith Watson has entered his dual Point to Point winner Celtic Thunder with a view to picking up some minor prizemoney. The stable had two runners in the money here last year when Finea and Raydari finished fifth and sixth respectively.
