Nicky Henderson: “Two and a half is his trip and he would have to come into serious consideration”

CHELTENHAM – WEDNESDAY

1:30

Caribean Boy (Daryl Jacob)

He’s had a wind operation since we last saw him and he missed all the big spring festivals so comes into this nice and fresh, which counts for a lot at this time of the year and he’ll love the ground. The cheekpieces help him to concentrate and he’s come down a few pounds in the weights. Two and a half is his trip and he would have to come into serious consideration.

2:05

Bold Endeavour (Nico de Boinville)

It won’t be easy giving weight all round but he ran well in the Coral Cup and he’s a horse with plenty of ability. The extra week after the Festival has given us plenty of time to freshen him up and I do think he prefers going this way round. It’s a competitive race but he has a decent chance of going well.

3:15

The Carpenter (Nico de Boinville)

He’s been very good in both starts and I was particularly impressed with him at Newbury last time where he won by 11 lengths. Chasing will be his game further down the line because he’s a big horse, hence he’s had a few issues down the years, but he’s very good and I’m hopeful he can continue on an upward curve.

4:25

On The Blind Side (Nico de Boinville)

I don’t think I have trained many 50/1 winners but it was nevertheless great to see dear old On The Blind Side return to form in a decent race at Newbury last time and proved there is still plenty of fire in his belly! The Handicapper has put him back up another 4lbs which might be considered a little unfair just as he was given a chance, but that’s the nature of the beast and it would be lovely to see him retain the winning thread, but it will be tough under top weight.