Nicky Henderson: “I like him a lot and am hopeful he can end up a smart novice this season”

FRIDAY

CHELTENHAM

12:05

Old Park Star (Nico De Boinville)

He showed smart Bumper form, albeit without winning, but got the job done well at Kempton and has learnt from it. That was on good ground, and he faces completely different conditions here, but he was second on soft in a bumper, so there aren’t any concerns on that front. This is, however, an extremely good novice and is a Graded race in all but name; he could finish in the first three or four and still be an exciting prospect.

12:40

Califet En Vol (Nico De Boinville)

He’s a big strong son of Califet who was always going to be a chaser and he has schooled very nicely at home. It’s a tough ask first time over fences at Cheltenham but it’s only a small field and, for the time being, this is his trip. I like him a lot and am hopeful he can end up a smart novice this season.

1:15

Iberico Lord (Nico De Boinville)

His recent form is, unfortunately, not that inspiring and he’s still plenty high enough in the weights as his last Handicap victory was off 134, but he’s coming back down a touch, although whether it’s enough to see him regain the winning thread, I’m not convinced.

3:00

Mister Coffey (Nico De Boinville)

He was due to run in the Cross Country at the November meeting but that was abandoned due to ground, so we switched to plan B and he ran a fantastic race in Unibet Middle Distance Veterans Chase which was over an inadequate two and a half miles so he’ll be much happier back at this trip and jumping these unconventional fences. Despite not winning over fences, he really has been the most remarkable person so let’s hope he can finally break his hoodoo over the big ones!

DONCASTER

1:58

Laughing John (James Bowen)

He was unlucky not to have won at Chepstow in April when he unfortunately parted ways with Freddie, but he starts his season as a novice and could be one to look forward to over the coming months. I certainly expect him to be making his presence felt in what is a very suitable race here.

2:33

Either Or (James Bowen)

She will hopefully come on for her initial run at Warwick and we’re putting a tongue tie on to help with her breathing. This will be her first time at three miles, but she shapes like a stayer and has winning Point to Point form.

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