Ptit bids for Peterborough gold Part-owner Barry Fulton sees Sunday's Betfred Peterborough Chase as a good opportunity for Ptit Zig to regain winning ways. The Paul Nicholls-trained six-year-old dominated his rivals on his seasonal reappearance in the Powers Irish Whiskey Chase at Down Royal in late October and gave the brilliant Vautour plenty to think about when runner-up at Ascot just a fortnight ago. The champion trainer is reportedly delighted with how his charge has taken those exertions ahead of his appearance in Huntingdon's showpiece event and Fulton is not ruling out a potential tilt at the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. He said: "It looks a good opportunity for him. There are only five in the race, but they all have a chance. "I think Paul was quite surprised how well he came out of the Ascot race. He's obviously quite a tough horse. "I hope he jumps well as they go quite quick round Huntingdon. It is quite a quick track." Asked about the King George, Fulton added: " We've still got three weeks until Kempton, so we'll see. "We'll see how he runs on Sunday and judge everything on its merits. "There isn't a lot else for him, but he'll have to have a break at some stage." Ptit Zig faces just four opponents in the two-and-a-half-mile feature, with last year's winner Wishfull Thinking back to defend his crown. Although now a 12-year-old, the Philip Hobbs-trained veteran showed he retains plenty of talent and enthusiasm when narrowly beaten by Sound Investment in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree in October. Speaking in his Betway blog, jockey Richard Johnson said: "H e's a truly remarkable horse considering he's nearly as old as me, but still loves the game. "He ran another cracker in the Old Roan Chase last time when only just failing to get to Sound Investment and we know he goes well around here having won this race 12 months ago. "He has given Philip and myself some magical days over the last decade and here's hoping for another one." Admirable grey Al Ferof won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Paddy Power Gold Cup and a number of other big prizes for the Nicholls team, and makes his first start for his former assistant Dan Skelton this weekend. Skelton said: " No hiccups or hold-ups, we're ready to go. What will be, will be. He's got a 10lb penalty, but then so have two of his closest rivals. "I'm not going to be making any excuses afterwards. He will improve for the run, but we're not going there needing the run. "He's going there fit, but he will improve for the run just because they do." Robert Walford's Camping Ground and Venetia Williams-trained mare Pepite Rose complete the line-up.
