Smart Money's On Nic

May 11 2008 By Gordon Brown

Worcester Good - Good To Firm In Places. Atr

PUNTERS have been filling their boots backing Paul Nicholls' runners and the top jumps trainer can strike again today.

Despite being off for just over a year I fancy SMART CAVALIER (4.20) to come back with a bang at Worcester for Gold Cup winning duo Nicholls and Sam Thomas.

His form was decent before the lay-off and he's proven on the ground and at this trip.

Nicholls and Thomas will also fancy their chances with Marodima but keep an eye on JARDIN DE VIENNE (3.50) who could be up to turning over the jolly as he tackles better ground for the first time.

At Uttoxeter, LEARNING THE BLUES can make all in the novices' chase (3.0) after sound efforts at Towcester and Leicester.

EARCOMESANNIE (3.10) is on a favourable mark and Philip Pritchard's mare gets the vote in the 3m 2f chase at Plumpton.

At Leopardstown, the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial has a great record of producing the Epsom winner and I'm going for Aidan O'Brien's WASHINGTON IRVING (3.55).

The Ballydoyle maestro has won this in five of the past seven years with superstars such as Galileo, High Chaparral, Yeats and Dylan Thomas.