Paul Nicholls is weighing up supplementing Tutti Quanti for the Champion Hurdle after the gelding put in a stunning display in the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury. Ridden by Harry Cobden off a mark of 138, Tutti Quanti set a strong early gallop on testing ground and was never seriously threatened, ultimately winning by 15 lengths from Wellington Arch, with Favoir another distant third. He had been backed into 100-30.
Nicholls said the performance confirmed the progress he has seen: Tutti Quanti is a big, backward type who has been improving physically and still has more to give. The trainer praised the horse’s stamina and ability to handle soft, cut ground, noting he keeps galloping and still wasn’t out of breath after quickening away turning for home. Cobden’s ride — allowing the horse to lead and then summon another effort — was singled out as key to the convincing success.
The victory draws natural Cheltenham comparisons. Make A Stand won the equivalent Newbury contest in 1997 before going on to lift the Champion Hurdle, and others such as Mysilv, Large Action and Essex have used similar prep races before running well at Prestbury Park. Coral have already priced Tutti Quanti at 20-1 non-runner no bet for the Champion Hurdle.
Nicholls confirmed there were no immediate plans beyond today’s race, which had been the primary target. The team had briefly considered entries such as the County Hurdle but admitted they may rethink if the ground at Cheltenham proves testing. One attractive aspect of the Champion Hurdle route is the ability to supplement late — five or six days before the race — when connections have a clearer idea of the going. Nicholls said if the ground at Cheltenham was testing they might look seriously at supplementing; if it was good ground they would be less inclined.
Looking further ahead, Nicholls believes Tutti Quanti could develop into a smart two-mile chaser in time, but for now his focus remains on the present campaign and what the spring ground might offer. The Newbury display has certainly opened up tempting options for connections should the weather and ground line up in his favour.