Henderson has high hopes for hurdlers at Cheltenham Festival
Nicky Henderson is the most successful trainer ever at the Cheltenham Festival and the Lambourn-based handler is planning to have a team of 30+ for this year’s four-day spectacular.
Henderson has 51 successes to his name so far at the Festival, and looks to have a particularly strong hand in the Triumph Hurdle which he has won five times in the past- including twice in the last six years.
Below are his thoughts on his main hopes for the meeting which gets underway on Tuesday, March 11th:
Bobs Worth – Gold Cup
“Bobs Worth has only had the one run in the Lexus this season but that was always the plan. He has one more bit of work to do and the plan is to go to Newbury on Sunday if the ground is not too bad. He is fresh and well. Barry (Geraghty) was pleased with him in Ireland where the ground was desperate. He wants better ground.
Coral latest odds: 14/1
Hargham, Peace And Co, Top Notch – Triumph Hurdle
“Luckily, I don’t have to split my three in the JCB Triumph Hurdle. I would be hopeful with one of them and I have got three shots. They are three lovely horses, they are all entitled to go there and are good enough to go there. They compare well with the horses we have had in the past for the race.”
Coral latest odds: Hargam 6/1, Peace And Co 9/4 favourite, Top Notch 10/1
Josses Hill – Arkle Chase
“They will go quick in the Arkle and Barry says that will suit Josses Hill. It will be easier for the horse to jump well if they go a good gallop.”
Coral latest odds: 10/1
L’ami Serge – Supreme Novices Hurdle:
“In normal circumstances, I would be pretty keen on L’Ami Serge. He was very impressive in the Tolworth – he quickened well, is classy and experienced. Soft ground won’t worry him.”
Coral latest odds: 4/1
Ma Filleule – Ryanair Chase
Henderson said: “Ma Filleule came to herself in the spring of last year and she is back there – it was a good run at Ascot the other day (when second in the Grade One Betfair Ascot Chase). We have reason to believe she can find a length or two on that.
Coral latest odds: 7/1
Vaniteux – Champion Hurdle
“I still think Vaniteux is a very good horse and he is very, very well. Good ground would be important to him and he has not had it this season.”
Coral latest odds: 33/1
