Nicky Henderson wants proof Grandouet is a genuine Cheltenham Festival contender when he lines up in the International Hurdle on Saturday.
Although the four-year-old gelding, so impressive at Haydock in November, finished third in the Triumph Hurdle last season, Henderson is still not convinced the stiff, undulating circuit at Prestbury Park fully plays to his unquestionable strengths.
“Of course he handles Cheltenham, we know that, but there are certain indications to me that he is possibly better on speedy tracks,” he told the Telegraph.
“I thought he showed improvement at Haydock and there is every chance that he will build on that run.
“But this is his chance to show what he can do at Cheltenham.
“It is better to find out now so that if we think he isn’t quite suited we can plan a campaign that bypasses the Cheltenham Festival.”
Meanwhile, Paul Nicholls has announced Harry Derham will maintain his partnership with Brampour.
Nicholls’ teenage nephew rode the four-year-old in his two victories this season at Ascot and in the Greatwood at Cheltenham.
“At the request of his owners, Harry Derham now rides Brampour. So Ruby Walsh takes the mount on Sanctuaire,” the champion trainer said in his column on Betfair.
“I discussed it through with Brampour’s owners yesterday and presented them with the facts, obviously pointing out that Harry couldn’t claim, and gave them 24 hours to think it over and make a final decision today.
“And they have just come back this morning and said they are staying loyal to Harry after he has guided it to victory at Ascot and in the Greatwood at Cheltenham.
“They are in the game for the love of it, and want Harry to ride him on Saturday.
“Harry clearly gets on very well with the horse, but Ruby switching to Sanctuaire is certainly not a negative to that one’s chances.
“As he showed in the Fred Winter and in the Scottish Champion Hurdle, Ruby is the key to making this horse tick and, if Overturn is in the line-up, he is likely to get the strong pace he needs.
“He is just the kind of talented, if quirky, horse to run a blinder in one of these races at a big price.”
PA AAP TURF
