Bravemansgame may head to the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury following a runner-up finish in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby. The Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old, who claimed the Wetherby feature in 2022, returned as the favourite but was unable to catch The Real Whacker.
Reflecting on the performance, Nicholls acknowledged that while he anticipated a stronger showing, Bravemansgame may benefit from a change in strategy. A potential drop to a handicap company with added headgear could suit him on November 30 at Newbury. "He ran a good race, just not enough to win. He was fit and ready, and there are no real excuses," Nicholls shared in his Betfair Ditcheat Diary.
Nicholls is also contemplating blinkers to sharpen Bravemansgame, as jockey Harry Cobden sensed he might need a touch more focus in his races. "It could be he’s had some tough runs and might need something different to reignite him," Nicholls added.
While a third attempt at the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day remains a possibility, Nicholls knows it will require further improvement to challenge top contenders. "We’re not ruling it out, but based on Saturday, he’ll need to step up," he said. "We’ll weigh our options and make a plan. For now, the Coral Gold Cup might be the right route."