Nicky Henderson: “Fusil Raffles is not big, but he’s very economical”

CHELTENHAM – FRIDAY

3:00 Handicap Hurdle

Fix Sun (Daryl Jacob)

We were going to run in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow but, unusually for the track, it was pretty quick and I didn’t want to jar him up and it was a similar sort of story at Ffos last week so we’re coming here instead and there’s been lots of rain around which will really suit. He won two modest race for us since coming over from France but steps into Handicap Company for the first time where I think he could be quite well treated off 137 because I think there is plenty of improvement in him. He’s also had his wind tinkered with which should help.

Hijack (Nico de Boinville)

He’s a lovely son of Fame And Glory who made a bright start to his hurdling career last season and just got a bit tired on his first run back in a Handicap at Fontwell so I expect him to be much sharper now. There’s not much between him and Fix Sun on homework and he goes there with a good chance.

4:10 Maiden Hurdle

Pipesmoker (Nico de Boinville)

The form of his efforts behind Sporting John and Chantry House is very good and he’s a person who could go quite far this season. He gets further but the drop back to two miles isn’t an issue and this looks very good starting point. He’s got plenty of class so I’d be very optimistic.

4:45 Novice Chase

Fusil Raffles (Daryl Jacob)

We took him out the other day because of the ground but there has been lots of rain in the area so I’m glad we waited and he goes there off the back of an easy win at Uttoxeter. I don’t usually like to run horses first time out over fences at Cheltenham because they can be very daunting, so the fact he’s had a run is in his favour although so have Getaway Trump and Return Ticket. But he was a high class hurdler and I was delighted with the start he made to his chasing career. He’s not big, but very economical over his fences and with a bit of luck he can continue on an upward trajectory

5:15 Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

Nanabelle (Jack Tudor)

She’s a sweet little filly who came over from France at the beginning of the year where she had been kept quite busy and in hindsight we probably shouldn’t have run her quite so soon after she arrived at Seven Barrows, so I’m prepared to draw a line through that. She’s come back looking great and has summered well. This does look a very good race but hopefully she can make her presence felt.

NICKY HENDERSON SPECIALS

Altior to win The Tingle Creek & Champion Chase – 16/1

Epatante to win The Christmas Hurdle and The @Unibet Champion Hurdle – 8/1

https://t.co/pPctK6Qjr5 pic.twitter.com/DHbXijlWqS

— Unibet Racing (@UnibetRacing) October 22, 2020