Nicky Henderson looks set for Cheltenham success

In preparation for the 2012 Cheltenham Festival, Nicky Henderson has entered his horses into races to get an estimate of how his team will perform in the March event. Henderson entered a selection of his squad in the Morebattle Hurdle Day at Kelso, all of which met his expectations by placing first. The trainer is also set to race Long Run and Sprinter Sacre in the rescheduled Newbury event to review their performances prior to the 2012 Cheltenham Festival.

Nicky Henderson’s Kelso results

At the Morebattle Hurdle Day, Henderson ruled the results tables as all his horses performed well in the races. Lyvius placed first in the Berrymoss Novices’ Hurdle – the horse pulled out a strong performance by shadowing runners early on and then taking the lead for the finish. The horse is set to compete in the JCB Triumph Hurdle on Cheltenham Gold Cup day and judging from his performance, he should be able to take on the frontrunners.

Another Henderson horse who looks on form for Cheltenham Festival 2012 is Simonsig, who placed first in the BetVictor Morebattle Hurdle. The horse held at the front throughout the race, placing second for a while before leaving Knockara Beau for dust. Simonsig is due to compete in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, and his win at Kelso suggests that the horse is also likely to perform well in March.

Henderson horses at Newbury

In preparation for Cheltenham Festival, Henderson has also entered two of his horses into the rescheduled Newbury event. Long Run is due to perform in the Betfair Denman Chase in order to give the trainer an idea of how he will compete in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The March chase is set to be a two horse race between Long Run and Kauto Star as both have the shortest Cheltenham Gold Cup odds, so no doubt Henderson will be looking for any flaws that need ironing out prior to the event.

Henderson’s Sprinter Sacre is set to race in the Super Saturday Chase where his performance will indicate if he is ready for the Cheltenham Arkle Chase for which he currently has the shortest odds.

Take a look at Sprinter Sacre’s racing debut in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival 2011: