Connections of Sprinter Sacre’s Arkle Trophy rivals are likely to be quaking in their boots after the giant gelding produced a devastating performance in the Super Saturday Chase at Newbury.
Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old made a foot-perfect start to his career over fences at Doncaster, and after slamming Peddlers Cross at Kempton next time, jockey Barry Geraghty suggested this could be the best horse he has ever ridden.
That is quite a statement from a man who has guided the likes of Moscow Flyer and Kicking King to top honours, but it is not difficult to see why the Irishman is so excited following Sprinter Sacre’s latest demolition job.
Connections had stated an intention to adopt more patient tactics than in his previous two starts, but the 2-5 favourite soon pulled his way to the front and glided clear without coming off the bridle.
French Opera ran a fine comeback race but was not in the same stratosphere as Sprinter Sacre, who came home with six lengths in hand.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever ridden anything like that – he’s electric,” Geraghty said.
“He jumped so well – he’s an unbelievable horse.”
Henderson added: “The idea was to try and hold him up, but when he jumped past French Opera in the air he was going too well.
“It’s scary what he can do.”
Betfred go 11-8 from 9-4 for the Arkle, with Peddlers Cross now a 7-2 chance.
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