It’s stable tour season for National Hunt racing and Nicky Henderson’s came out in the Racing Post this week. He issued some positive updates on his stable stars and there’s also some interesting under the radar horses who could be worth looking out for. We’ve picked out three such horses and they include a fascinating French import who Henderson is very excited about. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
This horse did well last year, winning three of his five starts. It’s undecided if chasing is the plan this year but many options will be open to him. Henderson said: “He had a fantastic year last season and ran a hell of a race in the Martin Pipe at the festival in March before winning a nice race at Cheltenham in April. We need to decide whether he stays over hurdles or goes novice chasing, but he’s summered well and we start again with the same enthusiasm.”
He looked like a Supreme candidate as a novice hurdler but things fell apart somewhat. There were some really positive signs last season and he went on to win at the Punchestown Festival. His trainer said: “Chasing really has to be the name of the game, and he’s still only a six-year-old, so I think we have to start this season by going down the chasing road again – I’m pretty confident he’ll be top class.”
JP McManus has snapped up Manlaga, who won impressively at Auteuil, and she could be one for the Triumph Hurdle in March. Henderson said: “She’s a very nice filly who has come from France and has had one run in a juvenile hurdle at Auteuil, which she won impressively. She’s got a Class 2 penalty, but we’ve got options. She looks to have a lovely temperament.”
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