![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/51f20a54-e350-4237-b344-e1add723aff1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMASTER trainer Paul Nicholls has nominated the hugely exciting Captain Teague as his 'best chance' of a winner as the jumps season kicks off on Friday.<\/p>\n
The Champion Bumper third makes his debut on Friday in the 2m3\u00bdf Persian War Novices' Hurdle at Chepstow.<\/p>\n
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Victory in the Grade 2 is worth \u00a338,475 but far bigger riches lie in wait should this son of Doyen turn into the superstar Nicholls expects.<\/p>\n
Captain Teague is already the 5-4 fav with the Skeltons' Rock House leading the supporting cast at 5-1.<\/p>\n
But Nicholls appears pretty bullish on the Captain, saying he is 'more of a man' this season as it looks like he could maybe be targeted at the Ballymore at the Festival.<\/p>\n
The trainer told Betfair Racing: "This is a tough race to pitch him in on his debut over hurdles but he is smart, was our leading bumper horse last season, finishing third in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.<\/p>\n
"It\u2019s encouraging that he won his Point-to-Point before joining us, he\u2019s done plenty of schooling and home and is a solid jumper at home.<\/p>\n
"He was a bit difficult to train last winter as he suffered from sore shins at times but this year he is more of a man.<\/p>\n
"All of our runners on this card have done plenty of work and look fit. I\u2019m very happy with his preparation.<\/p>\n
"He is an exciting prospect now starting over hurdles."<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n The reigning champion trainer has a strong group travelling to the Welsh track including Panjari, an intriguing Listed winner on the Flat in Germany.<\/p>\n But it's a first-time-out specialist who Nicholls also fancies to run a big race.<\/p>\n He added: "Danny Kirwan is best fresh, loves good ground round a flat track and it\u2019s a plus that he can now run in these veterans races.<\/p>\n "He almost won a \u00a3100,000 handicap at Ascot first time out last year when he was only caught in the last half furlong.<\/p>\n "That was a stiff enough course for him so I\u2019m hoping Chepstow will suit him better. His first run is usually his best."<\/p>\n *18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet \u00a310+\u202fon horse racing at odds 2.00+ Offer valid until 16:00 BST 24.06.22 No cash out. Get 4x \u00a310 Free Bets on selected events + \u00a35 slot bonus, selected games. Bonuses expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply, see below. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly<\/p>\n A responsible gambler is someone who:<\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Man-Utd-transfer-news-5-1.jpg\"){kind=spacer}
<\/picture>MACHINE <\/span><\/p>\nO’Brien’s superstar labelled ‘most exciting Dewhurst horse since Frankel’ returns<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/TB-COMBO_TEMPLEGATE-TIPS-WEDNESDAY.jpg\")
<\/picture>TEMPLEGATE’S TIPS <\/span><\/p>\nMy NAP is this exciting son of Frankel who can power home at Nottingham<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/TB-COMBO_FIVER_WED.jpg\")
<\/picture>FIVER FLUTTER <\/span><\/p>\nThis \u00a3450,000 buy can spark into life after a quiet debut for top connections<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Arsenal-transfer-news-1-2.jpg\"){kind=spacer}
<\/picture>MORNING GLORY <\/span><\/p>\nPunters to get beers in earlier than ever with changes to racing fixture list<\/h3>\n
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