SHISHKIN NOT READY
Hendo pulls star from Sandown
SHISHKIN will miss his intended – and eagerly awaited – return to action in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park on Saturday week.
The Nicky Henderson-trained seven-year-old, unbeaten in five starts over fences last season under jockey Nico de Boinville – including victories at the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals, was expected to make his comeback in the Grade One two-miler, for which he was the ante-post favourite at 4-5. However, Henderson revealed Shishkin, who carries the colours of Joe and Marie Donnelly, to be “not quite on his ‘A’ game” – and will now reappear in the Grade Two Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton Park over Christmas.
“There’s nothing wrong with him but Nico and I feel he’s not quite there,” the master of Seven Barrows said yesterday. “He worked this morning – he’s never been a brilliant work horse – and he just isn’t sparky at the moment. We did his wind in the autumn, which wasn’t a problem, but it just put us behind the ball.
“Nico and I both feel he’s not quite on his ‘A’ game. The best thing for the horse is not to get chased – I’d have to put the gun to his head a bit too much, I fear.
“It’s a thin line. We’ve scoped him and there’s nothing wrong, but you can’t afford to go into this anything bar 100 per cent.”
Willie Mullins’ Chacun Pour Soi is the new 11-8 favourite with sponsor Betfair, with Nube Negra next best at 11-4.
Henderson is, however, looking forward to taking the wraps off Epatante in the Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday.
The seven-year-old has been giving the right signs since having back surgery during the summer.
“We’re all set to go,” said Henderson. “We’ve been very happy. Her work’s been good. ”