Nicky Henderson: “He is obviously a very exciting prospect.”

SATURDAY

ASCOT

12:25

Macshadow Des Crai (James Bowen)

He’s a likeable chap who should come on for his first run at Cheltenham and he jumps very nicely. This looks a competitive Juvenile but hopefully he’ll run well and give his owners a good day out.

1:40

Joyeuse (James Bowen)

I don’t think she really enjoyed jumping fences so we switched her back hurdling where she ran ok at Ascot last time. That was in a Handicap, however, and she’s back against her own sex and in a smaller field. She needs to get her confidence back, but I’m happy with her at home and we all know she is a very smart mare on her day.

3:30

Jonbon (Harry Cobden)

I can’t really see any reason why he can reverse form with Il Etait Temps but he likes Ascot and thrives on his racing. Harry came in to school him over five fences on Wednesday which all went very well, and this race will probably tell us whether we stick to the two mile route or go up in trip.

4:05

Laguna Beach (James Bowen)

This is a step up from Hereford, but he is a very nice horse and deserves his place in this line up. He stays well and I do think he could end up pretty smart.

HAYDOCK

1:25

Old Park Star (Nico De Boinville)

We always thought he was pretty good but I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by the manner of his victory at Cheltenham last time. This is a race we have a good record in, having won it with the likes of Mister Fisher and Jonbon, and hopefully this horse can emulate them. He is obviously a very exciting prospect.

3:10

Akimos (Nico De Boinville)

I think the long straight at Haydock will suit him and he’s quite versatile ground-wise. He stays well and has a solid each way shout in an open race.

TAUNTON

1:32

Eremenko (Robbie Dunne)

The ground was too soft at Cheltenham last time in what was a pretty hot Bumper, but she’s now ready to go over hurdles and jumps very nicely at home. She’s quite sharp so the course will suit and I’m quite optimistic.

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