Nicky Henderson: “She has worked nicely around the track, is fit and well, and has lots in her favour”

NEWBURY

12:10 Maiden Hurdle

Jeriko Du Reponet (Nico de Boinville)

He looked quite impressive when winning his Irish Point to Point and everything he’s done since joining us has been very good. We took him to Newbury for the gallop’s morning a couple of weeks ago, which he didn’t necessarily need to do, but I felt it wouldn’t do him any harm so he enjoyed a nice spin around the track. He was entered over two and a half on Saturday, but I think two miles is a good place to start and he’s another one of a group of lovely novices coming through the ranks. I’m looking forward to learning more about him.

12:40 Novices’ Hcap Chase

Persian Time (Nico de Boinville)

He is the most handsome son of Califet who showed smart form over hurdles, but chasing was always going to be his game, and he could be an extremely exciting prospect in this department. I have been very happy with his schooling, and this looks a good point to kick off his career over fences. Two miles is his trip.

Russian Ruler (James Bowen)

Things haven’t gone entirely as we anticipated this time last year, when we thought he’d end up top class, but I think we have finally realised that two miles is his trip and I’m rather hoping that chasing will be the making of him. We’ve tinkered with his wind, and he’s schooled well.

1:50 G2 Novices’ Chase

No Ordinary Joe (James Bowen)

He is a very smart hurdler but is rated plenty high enough in that department, so we felt the switch to chasing wouldn’t do any harm and he jumps very nicely at home. Obviously Hermes Allen will be hard to beat, but the track, trip and ground will suit, and while it’s rare to start off in a Grade 2, we have to go somewhere and I’m rather looking forward to seeing what he can do over the larger obstacles.

3:00 G2 Long Distance Hurdle

Marie’s Rock (Nico de Boinville)

This race has always been the plan to start her off and I think it’s fair to say that she will go down the Stayers’ route from now on. She joined the squad on Newbury gallops morning and worked nicely around the track so is fit and well and has lots in her favour.

3:35 H’cap Hurdle

Hyland (Nico de Boinville)

I was very impressed with him at Cheltenham last time and he is developing into quite a smart staying hurdler. The Handicapper has put him up to 135, so he’s off a career high, but looks to be on the upgrade and the ground won’t be an issue.

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