SHISH SO LOVELY
HENDO’S STAR SET FOR STARDOM AFTER THRILLING CHASE DEBUT
SHISHKIN produced a sizzling performance on his chasing debut with a faultless round of jumping at Kempton yesterday.
He cleared his fences with fluency in a race in which stablemate Altior made his fencing bow back in 2016.
Shishkin, top of the class over hurdles last season, showed that he is also destined for the highest marks over fences.
Measuring his obstacles perfectly in the hands of Nico de Boinville, the gelding had little more than a schooling exercise.
“I think you’ve got to give him praise and I thought it was 10 out of 10,” said his trainer Nicky Henderson.
“He was just very good from day one.”
Shishkin will attempt to emulate Altior by taking the Sporting Life Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham in March and already heads the betting at 7- 4 with all bookmakers.
Coral offer an enticing 5- 2 that Shishkin remains unbeaten this season ( must run at least three times).
Henderson also gave a vote of confidence to Champion Hurdle heroine Epatante in Saturday’s Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
“Epatante has done plenty of work,” said the champion trainer. “We are up and ready for it.”
The other big race on Saturday is the Ladbrokes
Trophy ( formerly Hennessy) at Newbury.
But punters received little encouragement for the 6- 1 favourite The Conditional, runner- up in last year’s race to De Rasher Counter, from his trainer David Bridgwater.
“It’s his first time out this season and it’s a seriously competitive race, so we wouldn’t be expecting to win but just hopeful of a good run,” he said.
But there was a strong word from trainer Ben Pauling, who is responsible for 9- 1 chance Kildisart.
“We’re positive about chances,” said the trainer.
“He’s run well in big handicaps in the past and is a horse with a good profile for the race.” the his