Nicky Henderson: “He’s in such good form at home we thought we’d give it a shot”

KEMPTON

2:30 G2 Desert Orchid Chase

Mister Fisher (James Bowen)

We’re going back in trip with him, which may or may not be a good thing, but he travelled very well in the Peterborough Chase (over 2m4f) and appeared the winner turning for him but didn’t quite look to see out the trip that day and James suggested a drop down might help so that’s what we’re doing. Obviously it’s a very big ask taking on Edwardstone and Nube Negra but he likes this track and the drying ground will suit. He’s in such good form at home we thought we’d give it a shot and hopefully he can run a nice race.

 

15:09 Hcap Chase

Janika (James Bowen)

He perhaps doesn’t win as often as we’d like but he still retains plenty of ability and I think three miles around here will be right up his street. The handicapper has given him a chance and I wouldn’t rule him out. He’s in good shape.

 

3:40 Hcap Hurdle

No Ordinary Joe (James Bowen)

He’s still very lightly raced and we’ve had a few little issues which have kept him off the track but he’s very talented and his work has been very good. Two miles around here first time out is about as short as he wants, and he’ll definitely improve for the run, but he’s ready to come out and we’ll have a better idea with regards to future plans after this.

Paros (Nathan Brennan)

He can be quite keen so Nathan will be doing his best to get him relaxed in the hood and race rather than go out all guns blazing. He’s a very talented person and we’ve only just scratched the surface with him. It’s a competitive race but he’s in good shape and hopefully can run well.

 

CHEPSTOW

12:30

Hurricane Le Dun (Sam Twiston-Davies)

He had a couple of runs in bumpers but we’ve always said that jumping will be the name of his game and his schooling has been very good. He’ll definitely improve for the run though and I’ll be happy if he can put in a solid effort and give us an idea where we stand going forward.

Russian Ruler (Nico De Boinville)

He’s always been a very good horse and could still be an exciting prospect for the season. He probably should have won at Newbury last time and the step back a couple of furlongs will certainly help. His work has been very good, as has his schooling, and he sets a pretty good standard.

 

3:25

Mister Coffey (Nico De Boinville)

I must admit I didn’t think he’d be making his belated seasonal debut on Welsh Grand National day at Chepstow but as we all know the weather has played havoc for the last month or so and every time he’s been declared the meeting’s either off or the ground has been too fast but it looks like the surface here will be ideal and the stiff course will also suit him because he is absolutely ginormous. He would, along with Russian Ruler, would probably be our best chances of the day.