Shortened Cheltenham odds for Riverside Theatre

After a triumphant Friday at Newbury, Nicky Henderson went on to enjoy further success the following day with Riverside Theatre placing first in the Betfair Ascot Chase. This series of Newbury wins suggests that Henderson’s Long Run, Big Bucks and Riverside Theatre look on good form for the 2012 Cheltenham Festival taking place in a few weeks.

During the Betfair Ascot Chase, Riverside Theatre highlighted his current strength and winning capabilities regardless of his year of absence due to a fractured pelvis. While Riverside Theatre has not been able to train or race in order to fully recover, he did not appear daunted with the task of completing his first chase.

His schooling on Thursday – just days before his Newbury race – was the first time trainer Nicky Henderson had led Riverside Theatre to jump a fence. The horse managed to clear all five obstacles during this introductory stage. Henderson later said: “He’s back to where he left off without a flinch”.

Riverside Theatre predictions for 2012 Cheltenham Festival

As a result of Riverside Theatre’s Newbury victory, his Cheltenham Festivals odds have shortened dramatically. The horse is now the Ryanair Chase favourite, a race taking place on the St. Patrick’s Day race schedule.

The Betfair Ascot Chase win highlights that Riverside Theatre has been kept in peak physical condition over the past year and is ready for the season ahead. What’s more, it suggests that the horse has been able to remember his previous training, as he has returned to a high level in such a short space of time.

What with Riverside Theatre, Big Buck’s and Long Run all having the shortest odds for their Cheltenham Festival races, it looks as though Nicky Henderson is set to amass a number of victories during the March event.

Take a look at Riverside Theatre winning the 2011 Betfair Ascot Chase, the last race before his injury: