Angels looks another hit for Hendo
NICKY HENDERSON will make a decision about his crack two-mile chaser Altior running in Thursday’s Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton after the gelding has galloped tomorrow.
“All is good with Altior,” said Henderson about the gelding who has yet to have his colours lowered in 15 races over jumps. “I’ve put him in the Kempton race and will make a decision after he’s had a spin.
“We had thought about the King George VI for him but that will now have to wait until next year.
“This season’s target will be the Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March.”
Henderson introduced a potential star of the future in Angels Breath at Ascot yesterday. An impressive winner of his only start in an Irish point-to-point, the four-year-old showed he is clearly destined for top honours after taking the Sky Bet Novices’ Hurdle in style.
“I thought there would be some improvement to come today and he’s done it very well,” said Henderson.
Kim Bailey also has an exciting performer in Vinndication, the winner of the Noel Novices’ Chase. Measuring his fences like a seasoned campaigner in the hands of David Bass, he was unextended to hold off fastfinishing Jerrysback.
“We’ll try to keep him unbeaten – it’s not often a horse wins his first six races,” said Bailey of the RSA Chase hope. “David has always thought he is the best horse he has ever sat on.”