Nicky Henderson: “I just thought a spin over hurdles would do him good before we consider going back chasing”

JUST three runners for @sevenbarrows on Saturday, but those that have been out have performed very well, and we’ve had six winners from our last 24 runners, which is a good place to be.

Constitution Hill enjoyed an away day at Newbury on Tuesday, and that will have put him spot on for the Fighting Fifth next Saturday. He might have a blow on Monday morning, but all the work has been done and it’s now up to him to show us what he’s still got. I’m under no illusions it is going to be a good race, but everything has gone well from our point of view, and I’m really looking forward to the race, although I shall be watching from Newbury where we will have plenty of runners over the two days, including Hyland in the big one, and there’s a nice race for Act Of Innocence, who is in good form and also enjoyed a spin around Newbury in the week.

ASCOT

1:30 G2 Chase

Jango Baie (Nico de Boinville)

The spring finished a little upside down when he was lame after Aintree, but he had a screw inserted into his near fore joint (left front) and has been very good since and in great form. He is ready for a run, although I must admit this is a very tough introduction to his season, but the trip and the track are good, and while I’d like to find something easier, we’ve got to get out there and give it a go and we have tinkered with his wind over the summer because Nico thought it would help.

We are a long way from things like the King George but if he ran really well here, and finished strongly, then we could potentially have a little look at Kempton, but we’ll see what happens here before getting carried away.

HAYDOCK

2:25

Jingko Blue (Brian Hughes)

He had been over fences last year but his jumping wasn’t the most convincing, and he has actually had a bit of back surgery to try and help him, so I just thought a spin over hurdles would do him good before we consider going back chasing. Brian Hughes is my ‘northern rep’ and we have a decent strike rate together so hopefully he and Jingko can put up a bold show.

HUNTINGDON

12:15

Lelantos (Robbie Dunne)

He’s gradually coming back down the weights and we are replacing blinkers with cheek pieces again. This is his grade, and he stays well so has a very small each-way chance if things go his way.

---

Please remember to gamble responsibly. Visit our Safer Gambling section for more information, help, and advice.