Nicky Henderson: “We’ve always thought a great deal of Joe”

SATURDAY  – ASCOT

12:40

Father John (James Bowen)

His last two runs have been very good and I thought he put up a good performance at Carlisle last time when he stayed on nicely and wasn’t beaten far. The step up to three miles should suit and he has a good each way shout.

2:25 G1 Long Walk Hurdle

Champ (Jonjo O’Neill Jnr)

Things haven’t gone entirely to plan for him of late so we decided to switch back to hurdles and then we’ll have a clearer idea as to what we do in the future. Over fences he is much better going left handed but it makes no difference over timber and his work has been very good at home; in fact he put in a good piece with Mister Fisher last week. This is a very competitive race but we know he stays so we have no worries on that score and I’m hopeful he can put up a good show.

On The Blind Side (James Bowen)

He’s been a marvellous horse and is such a lovely person to have around the place. Chasing wasn’t quite for him but his form over hurdles is very good and while he’ll probably be a slightly large price with Unibet I can’t see any reason why he won’t run well. He wasn’t beaten far behind Thomas Darby at Newbury last time and we’re actually 4lbs better off at the weights with him here which definitely brings him into this.

3:00

Caribean Boy (Daryl Jacob)

He is a very smart horse who will come on immensely for his first run of the season at Cheltenham last time. This trip should suit and the ground won’t be an issue so hopefully he can run well having come down a few more pounds in the weights.

3:35

No Ordinary Joe (Nico De Boinville)

We’ve always thought a great deal of Joe and I was extremely pleased with his effort in the Unibet Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham last time on what was his seasonal debut, so there may even be a little more improvement fitness wise. He’s 3lbs higher but we think he’s progressive and he comes here with a very obvious chance.