Possible Sprinter return as Henderson yard fails to fire

One of National Hunt racing's star attractions has been absent since last Christmas, when he was pulled-up at Kempton and sent for observation under respected Newmarket equine cardiologist Celia Marr due to an irregular heartbeat. The Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday week was his anticipated starting point this term but that target is not set in stone.

"We're reasonably close, we've just got to see. I'll know by Tuesday or Wednesday where we are. It doesn't even mean he can't do a racecourse gallop this week if we get the all-clear. He's had his all-clear from Newmarket and everything is tickety boo," said Henderson at Kempton where he and stable jockey Barry Geraghty suffered the disappointment of three beaten odds-on favourites.

The well-regarded West Wizard was turned over in the opening novice hurdle while River Maigue's chasing debut proved unsuccessful. Then, Polly Peachum was beaten when coming down at the last in the featured mares' hurdle - a race in which Gordon Elliott's Clara McCloud finished a creditable runner-up, albeit eight lengths behind impressive 11-1 winner Carole's Destrier at the line.

But, having played his part as joint-chairman of Starlight on a charity fundraising afternoon, Henderson at least finished with a one-two in the finale when Jerry McGrath got Theinval home from stablemate Lough Kent.

"We're just bit behind," he said. "I think they look fitter, funnily enough, but they don't seem to be running it. There's nothing wrong, we just cannot quite get into that rhythm. When it's going right, it's so easy.

"When it's not going right, you've got to keep your head on and not lose it. The ground has gone the wrong way for me, as I'm still on the good ground horses."

His Seven Barrows stable houses two of the 23 declared yesterday for Saturday's Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury with Triolo d'Alene seeking to become the first horse since Arkle in 1964 and 1965 to achieve back-to-back victories. Hadrian's Approach appears a definite runner but Henderson is keen to check the state of the track in case it is too soft for Triolo d'Alene.

The man who regained the English champion trainer's title from Henderson last season, Paul Nicholls, hopes to land another big weekend prize as last year's runner-up Rocky Creek bids to go one place better in the Newbury showpiece.

The eight-year-old found only Triolo D'Alene too good 12 months ago but Nicholls feels he has every chance of going one better this time, even off a 5lb higher mark. Having gone on to run a good race when fifth in the Grand National at Aintree, Nicholls freshened him up over the summer with the aim of having him cherry ripe for this.

Crucially, the Ditcheat supermo feels he will be at peak fitness this weekend having already had a run this season when second to Road To Riches in the JNwine.com Chase at Down Royal.

Having won the Paddy Power Gold Cup with Caid Du Berlais, the Betfair Chase with Silviniaco Conti and the Amlin 1965 Chase with Al Ferof, Nicholls is in flying form at present.

"I'd like to think he can go one better. He ran very well at Down Royal the other day and I'd say he's improved a lot for that run, he was heavy enough when he ran," Nicholls stated. "Last year it was a bit stop start with him, but since Down Royal he's grafted and is in a good place with himself."

Main obstacle to Hennessy glory for Rocky Creek could come in the shape of Willie Mullins' ante-post favourite Djakadam, which represents the red-hot Closutton yard in the 23 confirmations. Also prominent in the betting is the Oliver Sherwood-trained Many Clouds and the well-fancied Fingal Bay from the yard of Philip Hobbs, while Alan King can call on RSA Chase runner-up Smad Place. (© Daily Telegraph, London)