2019/20 Jumps Issue 9 - Ticking along towards Cheltenham

Headlines

Silver in Sparkling Form at Sandown

Asterion Forlange lands

Envoi Allen stars at Naas

Report

We start at Sandown on Saturday where in the 2m 3f mares listed hurdle Silver Forever ( Neil) took her chance, Held up in 4th, closer at 5th, edging right but going well when switched left into 2nd approaching 2 out, challenged between last 2, led on bit approaching last, quickened clear, winning easily by 6 ½ l. She gets 28 points.

At Naas on Sunday in the 2m 4f grade 1 novice hurdle Envoi Allen ( Bob, Cliff, Cod, Martin, Peej, Tony), went to post, Disputed lead early, headed 2nd, regained lead after 2 out, pushed along and soon went clear, stayed on well under hands and heels run-in, winning comfortably by 3 ½ l. He gets 26.1 points.

In the 2m maiden hurdle Asterion Forlange ( Neil), took his chance Led early, jumped slightly right, headed after 2nd, regained lead before 3 out, went clear travelling well 2 out, stayed on strongly run-in, winning  easily by 10l. He gets 24.8 points.

The  John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                January         Total

Peej               104.5          404.3

Steve                                   349.2

Bob              26.1               343.5

Tony            47.4              326.2

Cliff             37.4             305.7

Neil             52.8                230.1

Martin         37.4             217.9

Cod          47.4                 167.6

News

Nicky Henderson intends to run Altior in the Unibet Silvinaco Conti Chase at Kempton on Saturday. 

Having had his unbeaten streak broken by Cyrname at Ascot when stepped up to two-miles-five-furlongs on his seasonal return, connections are keen to have another go at a similar trip. 

Despite holding an entry in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot the following week - a race he has won before - the new Kempton event has been chosen as his next port of call.

Nicky Henderson could not be happier with Pentland Hills as he considers tune-up options for the Unibet Champion Hurdle at either Wincanton or Haydock.

The Unibet Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock comes first on January 18, while almost a month later on February 15 is the Betway Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton.

Silver Streak is likely to head straight to Cheltenham for the Unibet Champion Hurdle after finishing second to Epatante at Christmas.

Evan Williams' grey was third behind the ill-fated Espoir D'Allen in the championship event last March.

Eldorado Allen could be given the chance to go one better than on his seasonal return in next month's Betfair Hurdle at Newbury. The Colin Tizzard-trained six-year-old showed his old ability remains intact at Sandown on Saturday, when finding only Mill Green too strong on his first start in 392 days.

Following Eldorado Allen's encouraging comeback, connections have earmarked the valuable Grade Three contest on February 8 as his next potential target.

Officials at the British Horseracing Authority issued a statement on Wednesday evening calling on Nicky Henderson to clarify his position on Altior in what it called the "interests of fairness and transparency."The statement came after the BHA revealed Altior was still entered in the Unibet Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton on Saturday and had not yet been scratched, despite Henderson ruling his brilliant 10-year-old out of the Grade Two contest on Tuesday.

The BHA also said a veterinary surgeon would examine Altior at Henderson's Seven Barrows yard on Thursday.

A BHA statement read: "The BHA can confirm that Altior continues to hold his entry for the Unibet Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton Park on Saturday."As a result of this, the BHA has, in the first instance, spoken with Mr Henderson and reminded him of his obligation under the rules to immediately scratch a horse if, at any time between closing and the deadline for declarations, the trainer becomes aware that the horse is not going to run.

"The BHA has also arranged for a BHA veterinary surgeon to examine the horse tomorrow. 

"In the interests of fairness and transparency for racing fans and the betting public, it is for Mr Henderson to clarify his plans publicly as soon as he can.

"The BHA will monitor the situation but we won't comment on wider issues or any potential rule breaches at this point."

When outlining plans for Altior on Tuesday, Henderson said the next intended target for his dual Champion Chase winner would be the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury on February 8.