Henderson talks up star duo
Nicky Henderson believes he has two serious contenders for the WellChild Gold Cup in RSA winner Champ and Santini.
The trainer was delighted with Champ's jumping when he was dropped back to two miles for the Game Spirit Chase last time and was full of praise for Santini, adding that he was in the right form to put in a similar performance to last year's second-placed effort.
"Champ is an extraordinary horse," said Henderson. "A week before the race he worked with On The Blind Side, who has had a great season but who we didn't even bother putting in the Stayers' Hurdle. He took all day to get past him.
"But Champ on the racecourse, you wouldn't know he was the same horse. I was hoping we'd see what we saw because my head was on the chopping block for this ridiculous idea if it didn't work. It went well and I thought his jumping at pace was exceptional."
Santini was a well-beaten third behind Native River in the rearranged Cotswold Chase at Sandown and while Henderson was not blown away by the performance, he believes it may have served its purpose.
"The ground that day at Sandown was desperate and he threatened to creep into the race and I was satisfied," added Henderson. "I can't say I was thrilled but it was good from the second-last. Aidan [Coleman] was able to look after him and he was able to finish a good third but without getting a desperately hard race.
"We do lots of jumping with him at home, he loves it. He ran a fantastic race last year and I don't see any reason why he wouldn't come back and run just as well."
Champ is 5.50 to win the Gold Cup, with Santini at 13.00.
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