ROC SOLID HENNESSY SHOT FOR HENDERSON

NICKY HENDERSON is ready to Roc as he goes in search of a fourth Hennessy Gold Cup triumph in 11 years.

The Lambourn trainer is set to be represented again by 2013 winner Triolo D’Alene but reckons younger stablemate Vyta Du Roc is his main hope at the weights.

The seven-year-old boasts asts some high-class form, notably his victory over subsequent Cheltenham winner Minella Rocco in the Reynoldstown at Ascot last season.

Although the grey failed to build on that in thehe RSA Chase at the Festival, he still ran well to finish fifth on ground quicker than ideal and performed to a similar level when occupying the same place in the Scottish National.

On the plus side the handicapper has dropped him a couple of pounds for those efforts and he warmed up for Saturday’s big race at Newbury with a pipe-opener over hurdles at Aintree this month.

Henderson (above) said: “Vyta Du Roc is not quite as good as Trabolgan and Bobs Worth, who both completed the RSA-Hennessy double for us, but he’s handicapped accordingly and gets in with a lovely low weight.

“If the weather forecast is correct the ground is going to be testing so he’s favourably placed near the foot of the handicap. “He’sHe a progressive horse wh who usually jumps e efficiently and stays well. H Historically it’s proved a good race for secondseason chasers and his p preparation has gone well,w so I’m hopeful of a big run. “Tr “Triolo D’Alene would prefer it if the rain stayed away as he doesn’t want the ground too soft.

“Ideally he would also have had a prep run, but he wasn’t quite ready in time which is why he joined Vyta for a racecourse workout at Newbury on Tuesday. Both horses will have benefitted from it.”

Vyta Du Roc has been the bestbacked horse in the race over the last few days (25-1 into 10-1), while Triolo D’Alene is a 33-1 shot.