Nolte about to get in the saddle with 'Luck'

Nick Nolte is in negotiations to play a thoroughbred trainer in HBO's upcoming series "Luck."

New skein from creator David Milch takes place on the racetrack, a turf with which Milch -- the longtime owner of several horses -- is quite familiar. Nolte rarely appears on television. His last prominent role was 34 years ago in the ABC miniseries "Rich Man, Poor Man."

Last week, Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman was cast as the lead in "Luck" while actors John Ortiz and Dennis Farina have already been set to co-star.

Shooting is scheduled to begin in a few weeks and the cabler is hoping to get the show on the air by early 2011.

Michael Mann, who is directing the pilot, will also exec produce along with former HBO programming topper Carolyn Strauss and Milch. Henry Bronchtein ("The Sopranos") is co-exec producer.

Nolte is a two-time Oscar nominee for "The Prince of Tides" and "Affliction" and appeared in the 2008 pic "Tropic Thunder."