Nicky Henderson: “This race has been the objective, and he should be able to get into a nice rhythm and enjoy himself”

AS we head into the final stages of the season we are slowly beginning to wind things down a bit, but that’s not to say we are completely finished because we still have plenty to run, including several up at Ayr this weekend.

Aintree didn’t entirely go to plan, and Jango Baie has come back a little sore; it’s absolutely nothing to worry about, and he’ll be given a long holiday to recuperate.

Constitution Hill returned a little stiff but is loosening up now, and the plan remains to go to Punchestown if he tells us he’s ok. We have mentioned the Ascot Gold Cup previously, but it may have been slightly blown out of proportion; all I said was that if he fell again, you can be pretty sure you’ll see him at Royal Ascot, but that was very much tongue-in-cheek, and it is extremely unlikely.

He’s been on the go a long time, and I can’t imagine the ground will be soft enough for him anyway. Let’s see what happens over in Ireland before we start making any brash decisions!

I did also have a look at the programme book and have entered Lulamba in the 2 mile Novice. He’s absolutely bouncing and so fresh therefore it makes sense to have a look at Ireland with him.

Jonbon has come out of Aintree in good shape, and he remains on target for the Celebration Chase. Lucky Place could also join the Sandown squad along with Fantastic Lady who may have her swansong in the Oaksey Chase before going on a romantic date with Golden Horn.

 

AYR

1:43

Ideal Des Bordes (Nico de Boinville)

I’ve always been sweet on this horse and know there is a decent race in him. I don’t know what happened last time, he just cut out very quickly – we thought he was going to win and then all of a sudden he came to an abrupt stop, so he has had a little respiratory tweak, and three miles on good ground is right up his street. He’s still progressing.

 

2:15

Under Control (Nico de Boinville)

She hasn’t run since the Unibet Greatwood Hurdle where I must admit she was very disappointing, so is on something of a retrieval mission, but I am keen to get her out and this looks an ideal opportunity. The Handicapper has dropped her a couple of pounds, and she has a reasonable each way chance.

 

3:35

Wiseguy (Nico de Boinville)

He’s run some decent races this season, including a very respectable effort at Ascot on his penultimate start, and I liked the way he stayed on at Cheltenham last time. This marathon trip will suit him, and while I’m not saying he is going to win, this race has been the objective, and he should be able to get into a nice rhythm and enjoy himself.

 

4:10

Calimystic (James Bowen)

He was very good at Doncaster last time over two and a half, but he is ready for a step up in trip, and while I must admit he doesn’t show a massive amount at home, he appears completely different on the track and it will be interesting to see how he fares on his Handicap debut. He schooled very well yesterday and is coming along nicely.

 

5:20

Sutherland (Nico De Boinville)

I’m not sure how good a bumper it was that he finished third in last time, but he ran a good race and should come on for it. He’s a big chasing type of horse so his best days are ahead of him, but he’ll like the track and hopefully can go well for Ronnie Bartlett, who is sponsoring on the day.

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