Paul Nicholls slammed critics of the decision to take Harry Cobden off Betfair Chase fancy Bravemansgame.
Ditcheat's number one jockey heads to Ascot instead of competing in Haydock's opening Grade 1 of the season. Cobden's commitments to six horses on Saturday have opened the door for Daryl Jacob, victorious in three renewals with Bristol De Mai. Nicholls said there was nothing untoward about the surprise plan to change riders on the stayer's 19th appearance.
"It's laughable what I have been reading," said the multiple training champion. "I don't know why people are questioning if Harry will ride him again. He is doing brilliantly – but he can't be in two places at once.
"It doesn't hurt to have a reserve. Daryl is the perfect man to ride Bravemansgame, he has loads of experience."
The sponsors go 6-4 – the same price as last year's winner Protektorat – that Nicholls' charge can give him a record-extending seventh title. National Hunt legend Kauto Star had four to his name, while Silvianaco Conti struck in 2012 and 2014.
Retained by Bristol De Mai's owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, Jacob has several top level triumphs for Nicholls among his 29 in the saddle. Shishkin, one of six possible runners, has Ascot's 1965 Chase as another option – where Cobden links up with Pic D'Orhy.
A dry week is forecast in Merseyside, with the chase course heavy with soft places after 9mm of rain on Sunday.
"The drying process will be steady and I'm hopeful it might get to soft," reported clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright.