The New One and Sam Twiston-Davies © Photo Healy Racing
Sam Twiston-Davies will make his own decision on whether he rides The New One or Old Guard in the Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Twiston-Davies partnered the Paul Nicholls-trained Old Guard in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, marking the first time he has not ridden The New One, trained by his father Nigel, in 22 races up to that point.
He was back on board The New One at Haydock last time out and Nicholls has said he will not put any pressure on the rider to team up with Old Guard.
"Sam's got the choice. If Sam rides The New One, Nick Scholfield rides Old Guard, simple as that. It's up to Sam on the day and it's not a problem," Nicholls told At The Races.
"Part of the deal when he joined two years ago was that Noel (Fehily) kept the ride on Silviniaco Conti and Sam could keep the ride on The New One.
"Old Guard is in good form. It was trainer error to run at Kempton and without that he wouldn't be the worst outsider in the world."
Twiston-Davies snr is in much more bullish mood regarding The New One and believes he has been underestimated by the bookmakers.
"He should have won a Champion Hurdle when he was beaten two and three-quarter lengths by Jezki as he was nearly brought down," said the Naunton handler.
"He was on the floor going down the back, he lost at least 10 lengths. There were lots of commentators who felt he should have won that day, including me.
"He wasn't right last year when Faugheen beat him, he's back at his favourite track and I can't understand how My Tent Or Yours is in front of him in the betting when he hasn't been seen for two years.
"Maybe I'll eat humble pie if he gets murdered this time and then we might think about the World Hurdle, but at the moment, especially with no Faugheen, it seems the obvious race.
"He's the best we've had him for two years.
"If Sam rides hasn't been discussed, but I hope he does. The great thing if your son can ride is it is double the enjoyment.
"If he wins I think it would be the most satisfying win of my career."
