IT has been a difficult week for champion trainer Paul Nicholls with recently-retired Kauto Star leaving his yard after eight magical years, but Nicholls could have a smile back on his face after the feature race at Cheltenham this afternoon as he has two big chances, with Crystal Bonus and Unioniste.

Ruby Walsh is aboard recent Down Royal winner Crystal Bonus but I'm making Uniosiste my first selection, a well bred four-year-old receiving loads of weights from his rivals.

Nicholls also believes Unioniste is potentially well treated despite being 6lb out of the handicap.

Conditional Harry Derham takes the ride and can claim 5lb leaving Unioniste to shoulder just 9st 9lb.

Nicholls said: "He's low down because he got a mark of 137 and a 7lb four-year-old allowance. In effect he's quite nicely in.

"Obviously with the weight he had it was ideal Harry take 5lb off, so 9st 9lb is an attractive weight."

On his other runner, Nicholls, who was on the scoresheet at Cheltenham yesterday, added: "He won well last time and the more it rains, the softer the ground and the more chance he's got.

"He loves really soft ground and we're hopeful of a good run from him."

I think Nicholls will win the feature chase, I also think he can do the same in the feature hurdle with Zarkandar, who delighted connections when giving stablemate Prospect Wells 17lb and a neck beating in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton on his return five weeks ago.

The Ditcheat handler says the 2011 Triumph Hurdle winner appears to have benefited greatly from the outing.

"I'm really pleased with him, he's sparkling. He's improved from the first run. We've kept him nice and fresh because obviously he surprised us that he won the first day," he said.

"He goes well fresh, there are some good horses in the race. I know that Harry (Fry) has got Rock On Ruby in top form, so it will be interesting, but we're looking forward to it."

Along with last year's Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby, Grandouet takes his chance for Nicky Henderson, his first run since winning this contest 12 months ago.

Also a cracking card at Doncaster this afternoon and John Quinn, who excels with his juvenile hurdles, can take the 2.45pm contest with Kashmir Park who was so impressive on his debut at Market Rasen recently.

Useful on the Flat with Ger Lyons in Ireland, he could well be the next Countrywide Flame who progressed last season for the Malton trainer, winning at the Cheltenham Festival and looking a live Champion Hurdler now.