Henderson upbeat on Champion favourite Epatante
Mare remains on course for Festival showpiece.
Nicky Henderson insists Unibet Champion Hurdle favourite Epatante is on course for Cheltenham, despite giving her trainer some cause for concern earlier this week. The master of the powerful Seven Barrows stable was on hand at Newbury on Friday to see Monte Cristo successfully land odds-on favouritism in the three-runner Mansionbet Best Odds Guaranteed Juvenile Hurdle under Daryl Jacob. Afterwards, Henderson said: “I can tell you Epatante didn’t cough today. That is the official line today. “We are forced to say these things before somebody gets it out – and then it’s headline news. Unfortunately, we have to say it before it leaks out and it is drifting (in the market). You virtually have to let everyone know before she has even coughed! “But that’s what they are making you do. She has not coughed this morning and we are all on course.” Though a general 3-1 shot on Thursday morning before the yard informed the public via Twitter the mare had coughed, some firms pushed her out to 9-2 overnight, but she has again firmed up, with Sky Bet shortest at 3-1.
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid
French ace scratched from Del Mar contest following veterinary advice.
-
Horse Racing
Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle
‘Perfect preparation’ for Kentucky Derby third heading into City Of Troy clash.
-
Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal
‘One step at a time’ for Grade One-winning mare, who was expected to go chasing this season.
-
Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy
But Kieren Fallon sounding note of caution ahead of Del Mar blockbuster.
-
Grand Sefton not on the agenda for Minella Drama
Donald McCain happy to wait for other targets with Old Roan winner.
-
Eydon back on familiar ground at Newmarket this weekend
High-class five-year-old was fourth in the 2000 Guineas two years ago.
-
Charlie Appleby launching dual assault on Juvenile Turf
Aomori City and Al Qudra chasing Breeders’ Cup gold at Del Mar.
-
Wathnan juveniles all set for Breeders’ Cup battle
And Mick Appleby hunting race repeat, this time with Big Mojo.
-
‘It will be great if he could win’ – Bin Suroor rooting for City Of Troy
Godolphin trainer knows what it is like to come close to Breeders’ Cup Classic glory.
-
Hobson ‘can’t wait’ to unleash Fugitif at Cheltenham
Paddy Power Gold Cup again the aim for Prestbury Park fan.
