We have already run through trainer Nicky Henderson’s thoughts on potential targets and well being of his established chasers. Here is what he had to say about a selection of leading horses seen over hurdles in 2011-12 in his Horses in Training 2012-13:
2012 Cheltenham Winners
Simonsig : ” He has done very well for his summer …The next dilemma is what to do next – I think we are at the moment leaning towards cracking on over fences,in which case we will almost certainly bring him back to two miles with a view to being an Arkle contender.”
Une Artiste: “Stamina is probably her strongest asset and we will progress over hurdles as she has strengthened up over the summer. How far she cab go is hard to tell, and if Quevega is still around life will be difficult but Iike to think she will be up to those sort of races.”
Other Potential Champion Hurdle Horses
Although Spirit Son has been ruled out for the season ( at least ) after picking up a rare virus, Henderson still has ahost of Champion Hurdle possibles:
Binocular : ” We are seriously looking forward to another campaign and I still think and hope there is another Champion Hurdle in him….I have no doubt that he could jump a fence, if ever we asked him to.”
Darlan ( Rating 151) : ” He is a gorgeous looking horse and is still growing. He looks every inch a chase in the making but I think the team feeling at the moment is to start the season staying over hurdles as I think there is still alot of improvement to come. The Greatwood would come to mind to see if he is up to standard. Ithink and hope he is.”
Oscar Whisky ( Rating 165) : ” He is yet another that no firm decisions have been made as to which route we will take. A Ryanair Hurdle would be ideal and I suspect he stay over hurdles.”
Grandouet ( Rating 166) : ” He is still a very live Champion Hurdle contender. Some may have doubted his ability to get up the hill at Cheltenham but he hit that theory well and truly over the boundary…..he can only be a stronger horse this year.
Other Horses
Broadbackbob ( Rating 142) : ” He has come back in looking bigger and stronger …He would undoubtedly jump a fence, if requested but I would be very keen to see how far he can go over hurdles.”
Captain Conan ( Rating 147) : “ This is I think one of our big white hopes for novice chasing this season.”
Cash and Go : ” He is a very exciting recruit to the team for new owner to us in Robert Geffen…I imagine he will embark on career over fences, but as he is only five we have plenty of time to digest “.
Ericht ( Rating 127): “I thought going into last sesaon he was going to be one of our top novice hurdlers …but he didn’t quite live up to expectations..he is still amaiden over hurdles, which was hardly the intention, but could now be to his benefit”.
Molotof ( Rating 143) : ” …..the horse has grown considerably through the summer and is built and bred for chasing, and has the ability to go along way and would expect 2m4f to suit and might well get further one day “.
Oscar Nominee ( Rating 139) : ” Has come in this autumn so much bigger and stronger …I think this fellow could go avery long way “
