Nicky Henderson might publicly admit he does not expect to match last year’s haul of seven Cheltenham Festival winners, but a team of at least 35 from his stable will be doing their best.
These include virtually all of his returning heroes, such as Sprinter Sacre, Bobs Worth, Simonsig and Riverside Theatre as well as a former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Long Run.
Henderson is long odds-on to be top trainer when the meeting begins in three weeks.
“What happened last year is unrepeatable. Maybe Paul (Nicholls) or Willie Mullins will have seven, but it has happened once to us, so it won’t happen again,” Henderson said.
“You would settle for one – anything that comes your way is gratefully received. The best thing is if you can find one winner on the opening day. It doesn’t make the horses run faster but it gives everyone confidence.”
If betting is taken literally, that one winner will surely be Sprinter Sacre, who could be sent off the shortest favourite since Arkle won the 1966 Gold Cup.
“Simonsig and Sprinter Sacre are two of the best work horses I’ve ever seen,” Henderson said.
“I think he (Sprinter Sacre) is as good looking a horse as you’ll ever see. Bobs Worth is no oil painting, he’s just a nice horse, but with Sprinter Sacre it’s a different ball game.”
His other stars include Gold Cup hopes Long Run and Bobs Worth, who have not appeared in recent trials, as well as Triumph Hurdle prospect Rolling Star.
Defending Ryanair champion Riverside Theatre and Binocular, the former Champion Hurdle winner, are also in the mix.
After managing a one-two in 2012 in the race named after his father, the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase, the trainer named his five probable runners as Tanks For That, Anquetta, French Opera, Petit Robin and Kid Cassidy.
Finian’s Rainbow is set to defend his Champion Chase title against Sprinter Sacre despite a laboured appearance at Ascot over the weekend.
Oscar Whisky was confirmed for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle after a much improved attempt at a longer distance when just beaten by Reve De Sivola in the Cleeve Hurdle.
