Henderson’s high hopes for Might Bite

NICKY HENDERSON hopes the weather stays dry as the countdown begins for Might Bite’s big day in the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Seven Barrows handler reports the ante-post favourite in top trim, but has expressed a slight concern about the ground, which on Saturday afternoon was soft, heavy in places.

‘We are very happy with Might Bite. He did a nice piece of work (on Saturday morning) and it is all systems go for Friday,’ he said.

‘The slight worry is going to be the ground. He won’t relish it as much as some of our others, such as Buveur D’Air (in the Champion Hurdle), but the Cheltenham going can change very quickly.

‘I’m hoping the ground does dry up in time for Might Bite on Friday. He is in great form and I couldn’t be happier with him.’

American has been supplemented for main event on Friday, trainer Harry Fry has announced. The eightyear-old was last seen finishing an eight-length second to Definitly Red in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January, having pulled up on his previous start in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury.