Nicky Henderson: “Both of my Haydock runners should appreciate the better ground”

OUR attention is turned to Aintree on Thursday and we should have a nice squad to take up to Liverpool; it will also be nice to welcome some owners back who I know have been missing attending the races to see their horses run so hopefully we can have a couple of winners where the owners are able to be there. Caribean Boy schooled over the national fences in the week and was very good so I’m looking forward to running him in the Topham on Friday. He missed the start at Cheltenham last time so you can draw a line through that and I think this race will suit him really well. Shishkin, Buveur D’Air, Mister Fisher and Chantry House all form part of our big guns and we will probably run a couple in the Bumper as well, possibly Balco Coastal & I Am Maximus, and OK Corral heads the Grand National team.

HAYDOCK – SATURDAY

2:40 Handicap Chase

Versatility (Nico De Boinville)

He made a mistake earlier on at Sandown which knocked his confidence a little bit and he was never really happy afterwards so Nico quite rightly looked after him. The ground would’ve also been plenty soft enough for him and he’ll be much happier on this quicker surface. He appears to be in good form at home and must have a serious each way shout in a wide open race.

3:15 Handicap Hurdle

Colonial Dreams (Nico De Boinville)

He’s a lovely person to have around the place and is pretty consistent but good ground is crucial to him so I’m particularly happy with conditions going into this race. He ran very well on his first start over 3 miles at Newbury last time and I think there could be more to come from him over this trip. His work has been good and he’s a proper spring horse so hopefully there’s still lots of fun to be had with him.