International mission the ‘obvious’ option for Henderson duo

PA Sport Reporters
December 9, 2022 4:19 pm

Epatante and First Street contest Cheltenham event.

Nicky Henderson feels Saturday’s Unibet International Hurdle at Cheltenham is the “obvious” race for both Epatante and First Street.

His 2020 Champion Hurdle winner Epatante has already had one clash with stablemate Constitution Hill in the Fighting Fifth, where she proved no match for him, so rather than meet again Henderson has rerouted her here.

Fellow Seven Barrows inmate First Street won the Gerry Feilden last time out and takes a step up in class for this Grade Two contest.

“All in good form, very good form. They are both coming back within a fortnight of a run, so it is coming back a little bit quick and we are very happy with both them,” said Henderson.

First Street faces a step up in grade (John Walton/PA)

“It is the obvious place to come if Constitution Hill is going to go to Kempton (for the Christmas Hurdle).

“It is a lovely race and a small field and we hope they both do themselves justice.”

Giving weight to all is Paul Nicholls’ Knappers Hill, who has won nine of his 12 races to date and produced a career-best last time out when winning the Elite Hurdle.

“He has a brilliant record having won nine of his 12 races, has progressed again this season and looked all class when beating Sceau Royal in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton in November,” Nicholls told Betfair.

What a couple of days for @PFNicholls!
Knappers Hill keeps up the gallop to win the Unibet Elite Hurdle 🥇#ITVRacing | @wincantonraces | @CobdenHarry pic.twitter.com/TPxP0GWXpy
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) November 5, 2022

“He loves the ground, keeps improving, has won his last four races and his confidence is sky high. While he has to concede 7lb to the mare Epatante, I suspect his biggest danger is I Like To Move It.”

The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained I Like To Move It won the Greatwood Hurdle off top weight first time out.

Twiston-Davies said: “He is back at his favourite track and is in good form. He has gone up 10lb, but it is not a handicap so it doesn’t matter.

“He has been improving all the time and we hope he will continue to do so. We’re looking forward to it.

“There are no ground concerns – as long as the frost isn’t in there. It’s all systems go.

“He jumped very well last time and he seems to like the air at Cheltenham. He seems to run his best races here and if he gives anything like his running last time, hopefully he will keep us all happy.”