RACE FOR THE TITLE

It's the sorcerer versus the apprentice for championship glory unless Mullins can produce a late Grand plan

- DAVID YATES

THE battle for the trainers' championship, which ends with Sandown's Jump Finale card two weeks today, pitches sorcerer Paul Nicholls against apprentice Dan Skelton. But victory in Saturday's Randox Grand National could yet see Willie Mullins usurp the pair.

DAVID YATES inspects the trio's title credentials.

PAUL NICHOLLS

VICTORY in the race for this season's championship would deliver Nicholls a 15th trainers' crown, taking him level with one-time rival Martin Pipe.

Manor Farm Stables in Ditcheat relies on some old allies and one new recruit in a bid for a fourth straight title win.

Among the former, Ascot Chase hero Pic D'Orhy seeks to secure back-to-back triumphs in Friday's My Pension Expert Melling Chase - he locks horns with Protektorat, saddled by former protege Dan Skelton but all eyes will be on Caldwell Potter in the Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle on Saturday.