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Nicholls considers Newbury return for Dover

Paul NichollsPaul Nicholls
© Healy Racing Photos

Paul Nicholls has earmarked the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury on February 10 as a potential starting point for Cliffs Of Dover on his comeback from injury.

The four-year-old won six of his seven starts over hurdles last year, but has not been sighted since he claimed victory in a Grade Two contest at Doncaster last December.

"He is cantering and is doing two canters up the hill every day. He probably won't be ready to run at Christmas time. I am in no rush with him," said Nicholls.

"You wouldn't go straight into a Christmas Hurdle (Kempton) and I thought he might be ready for what was the Ladbroke at Ascot before Christmas, but he won't be.

"He is rated 145 so he wants to go in a handicap first before there are any thoughts of the Champion Hurdle. We might have him ready for the Betfair Hurdle, so that might be a target.

"He was well placed last year, but he does have to improve a bit."