Nicky Henderson: “He’s a lovely, big strong horse and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we’ve got”

NEWBURY

 12:05

Spring Note

She’s stepping back down in trip, and to be honest I think she’d want a bit further, but the ground will bring stamina into it and she has been working nicely at home. It’s a good prize and hopefully she can run a nice race.

12:40

Jeriko Du Reponet 

There is plenty of decent opposition but he won very nicely over course and distance when Nico gave him a very educational ride. I’d be hopeful he can take another step forward and this is an obvious port of call for a Novice like him.

Jaitroplaclasse (James Bowen)

He is making his debut over hurdles but has been schooling very well and I like these Introductory Hurdles. He needs to step up on his Bumper form but is a lovely big horse and I’ll be delighted if he can put up a decent performance.

1:50

Steal A March 

He went wrong about three weeks before Cheltenham which was very disappointing because I thought I had him nicely lined up for the Pertemps, but these things happen and he seems in good form. I will say, however, that he is quite burly this year, although should be fit enough because I’ve got plenty of work into him but the proof will be in the actual pudding.

3:00

Willmount 

He could be absolutely anything and one thing is for sure, we’ll know a lot more after this race. We’re going up in trip, which shouldn’t be a problem, and unusually this is a decent sized field. There is no doubt he has to improve again, but he’s a lovely, big strong horse who has done nothing wrong since coming to us and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we’ve got.

Brave Jen 

She excelled herself in a Mares’ Listed race last time but this is a massive step up in class and trip and she obviously need to improve considerably; but I’m sure she’ll give her enthusiastic owners a great day out and if she can pick up some more valuable Black Type we will be very happy.

3:35

Walking On Air

It’s taken me a bit of time to get him going, but all of a sudden he’s really come to himself and I’m hopeful he can get on with it and make up for lost time. He probably wants three miles, but two and a half round here first time out is enough for the moment, and his jumping at home has been very good. He’s built for chasing and I’m rather hoping he could go a long way in this department.

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