Paul Nicholls could yet bypass the Cheltenham Festival with Tidal Bay in order for him to make it to the Grand National in the best possible shape.

The champion trainer finally ended a long quest to win the Aintree showpiece a year ago with Neptune Collonges and he appeared delighted with the lenience shown by handicapper Phil Smith towards topweight Tidal Bay.

Second in the Hennessy and subsequently the winner of an epic Lexus Chase over Christmas, the once-quirky veteran missed an outing on Cheltenham trials day with a slight foot injury.

He has been given 11st10lb (74.5kg) in the Grand National.

"That's a huge incentive to run and I think the handicapper has given him an outstanding chance," Nicholls said.

"We always knew he'd be on 11st 10lb, it was just the rating itself we wanted to find out.

"I've taken him out of the Gold Cup and I don't want to rush him.

"If he's ready he can go for the World Hurdle but I don't want to forego his chance in the National."

Nicholls has three other interesting contenders and expects each to line up. No decisions have been made on jockeys, with Ruby Walsh juggling commitments with Nicholls, Willie Mullins and possibly his father, Ted.

"What A Friend (11st 5lb) has the same sort of profile to Neptune Collonges, having been placed in a Gold Cup," Nicholls said.

"He'll go to Kempton in a fortnight and then we'll get together with Sir Alex (Ferguson, owner). He might miss Cheltenham in order to keep him fresh.

"Harry The Viking is in good form and he could run at Doncaster next.

"Join Together could run at Doncaster next week and is the sort that could run really well."