Nicky Henderson: “He certainly warrants serious respect in a race that looks ideal for him”

AYR

1:50

City Chief (Nico De Boinville)

He’s been very good all season, particularly at Wetherby last time when he was given a great ride by James Bowen to win the Towton. He wasn’t quite mature enough for a big test like Cheltenham so the plan had always been to come here a nice fresh horse and he won at the track (over hurdles) last year. He isn’t the biggest horse and has to give weight all round but hopefully he should be up to it and he is still a very exciting prospect.

2:25

First Street (Nico De Boinville)

His work is always very good and that has been the case since Cheltenham last time where he actually ran better than the form figure suggests, because he got quite badly hampered at the last but plugged on well up the hill on ground that would’ve been plenty soft enough so I’m hoping they don’t get that much rain at Ayr. There aren’t many races for horses like him and to be honest I’d like to run him on the flat but there aren’t any Maidens for four year old and above! He does have to carry top weight in what is a very competitive Handicap but I’m hopeful he can acquit himself well.

3:00

Balco Coastal (Nico De Boinville)

He ran very well for a long way in the Turners but ultimately paid the price for doing much of the donkey work. We’ve always thought of him as a chaser and his Sandown form with Gerri Colombe is looking pretty strong along with that of Solo (who subsequently won the Pendil) so he certainly warrants serious respect in a race that looks ideal for him.

3:35

Dusart (Nico De Boinville)

This race has been the long term target and I think a test like this will suit him because he should be able to get into a nice rhythm and I don’t think he’ll have any issues with the trip. He came back from Cheltenham last time very sore and I must admit it has been quite a tricky season trying to get him right. We’re putting the cheek pieces on to help him travel and he won his Novice at this track last year so has a small chance but it will be some performance if he’s able to win off top weight off the back of what has been a difficult season.