Altior’s run set to continue
TRAINER Nicky Henderson is preparing himself for Altior’s winning sequence of 17 victories coming to an end.
However he makes a convincing case that it will not happen in next month’s Queen Champion Chase at Cheltenham. “All is good, he hasn’t put a foot wrong, has he?” said Henderson yesterday. “He’s fit and well, comes to the race nice and fresh. I believe he’s a machine as he’s got all the gears.
“If he was a Flat horse he would win Group races. He will work tomorrow, then have a couple of schools over fences, as he enjoys it. “It will be disappointing if it goes wrong – but you are prepared for the fact that it will go wrong some day. It can’t go on for ever – I know Winx (30 wins in a row) can but that’s different.”
Henderson, the most successful trainer in the Champion Hurdle with seven victories, is expected to add to that success with the hat-trick-seeking Buveur D’Air.
“He was not at his best last year despite winning,” said Henderson.
“He was stabled next to a horse that was running a temperature and that appears to have had an affect. “But he’s in great form and will have a racecourse gallop, as he takes a lot of work to get fit.
“He will have to be better than he was last year, as I think this year’s race is better. He is top of the pile with the English horses but we’ve the Irish horses to beat – Laurina and Apple’s Jade.”
Brain Power and Verdana Blue will also represent Henderson in the race.
Despite the current poor form of his runners, Henderson believes his team will not be inconvenienced by the majority of his yard receiving jabs following the outbreak of equine flu. “We’re not that far back from a shredded programme,” he said.
“It’s not done any real damage – we’ve just a bit of catching up to do.” Henderson admits even he had a flu jab last week but revealed the only side effect was a very sore arm.
Might Bite, the horse Henderson describes as having sex appeal, is very much the fallen star but his trainer is bullish about the 25-1 shot bouncing back in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
After his second behind Native River in last season’s Gold Cup, he has failed to fire this term but recent work suggests he is on the way back.
“Nico (de Boinville) was very pleased with him when he worked on Saturday,” said Henderson. “Obviously, he’ll want decent ground.”
Having lost the crown as the most successful trainer to Willie Mullins at the Festival last year, Henderson cannot hide his hopes for this season’s novice hurdlers. Angels Breath and Champagne Platinum have entries in the Supreme Hurdle.
“I would like to get another race into Angels Breath,” said Henderson. “He’s in at Kempton at the weekend where we hope to run as he needs the experience.”