Nicky Henderson: “The principal objective is to get a win under his belt”

CHELTENHAM

1:45 Novices’ Chase

Mister Coffey (Nico De Boinville)

We did have the option of the Novices’ Handicap on Sunday, but he’d end up conceding a lot of weight, and for a horse that is amazingly yet to win over fences, it was a pretty easy decision to run in this, because he’s top rated, and the principal objective is to get a win under his belt to make sure he gets in the Grand National. It is obviously a long way down the road but as it is, he’d most likely struggle after they reduced the field size, so this is a very important race.

2:55 H’Cap Hurdle

Chantry House (Nico De Boinville)

He took a crashing fall at Wetherby which put him out for quite a while, but I’m pleased to report he’s fully recovered and is working well at home. Whether we go back chasing or stay over hurdles, I haven’t decided, but the main aim is to give him some confidence and see where we are; if he wins, or runs well, it’s highly likely he’ll remain over timber.

Unibet are paying an EXTRA PLACE in this race!

4:05 Listed National Hunt Flat Race

Easy Peasy (Nico De Boinville)

She is a homebred of the Hanbury’s who won her bumper in Ireland before coming over to us and winning what probably wasn’t the strongest race at Plumpton. She’s all schooled up and ready to go over hurdles, but I thought it wouldn’t do any harm to have a crack at this before going jumping.