Flak takes prize

David Nicholls saddled two winners at Catterick yesterday and then outlined his hopes for his runners at Glorious Goodwood next week.

David Nicholls saddled two winners at Catterick yesterday and then outlined his hopes for his runners at Glorious Goodwood next week.

King Of Peru completed the double but the first leg, Flak Jacket, will be part of the Thirsk stable's team for the five-day festival. A probable target now is the Stewards' Sprint Stakes, a race designed for horses that are eliminated from the Stewards' Cup.

Flak Jacket is among 14 horses Nicholls has left in the Stewards' Cup itself but has little chance of getting in that event. But the trainer will still be heavily involved with a possible four runners. Nicholls, who won the race as a jockey back in 1982 aboard Soba, believes Alastair Smellie, set to carry 7st 8lb, could offer him his best chance in this race.

Nicholls bought the gelding out of Barry Hills's yard a few weeks ago. "He will like the track and it looks the right type of race for him," he said.

Nicholls won four races at Goodwood last year and is looking for another profitable week. "Goodwood doesn't allow anyone to work their horses on the track but John Dunlop has given us the use of his gallops. I hope he will join me for a drink or two," he added.