Henderson closing in on Nicholls ahead of Arkle clash

Nicky Henderson, one winner away from equalling Fulke Walwyn’s all-time record of 40 Festival triumphs, has closed the gap on Paul Nicholls to less than £400,000 – and a successful Cheltenham will leave him on course to win a title that he last claimed 25 years ago.

He is also confident that Sprinter Sacre can succeed in today’s Racing Post Arkle Chase where stablemate Finian’s Rainbow failed a year ago.

Sprinter Sacre was an easy scorer on his debut at Doncaster in December before demolishing former top-class hurdler Peddlers Cross at Kempton over Christmas.

A six-length win in record time in Newbury’s Game Spirit Chase last month sealed his reputation as red-hot Arkle favourite.

However, Henderson is concerned that his keen style of racing could work against him, as it did with Finian’s Rainbow who was only second last year.

“He’s a classy, good-looking horse and I think he knows it,” said Henderson. “The one worry is that Finian’s Rainbow tried to do the same thing last year (go off quickly) and he got mugged.”

Sprinter Sacre himself was beaten at last year’s Festival when third to Al Ferof in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Indeed Al Ferof – bought in France as a yearling by North Yorkshire’s Ferdy Murphy – has done little wrong in winning his first two chase starts, including the Grade One Henry VIII Novices’ Chase, before finishing third when upped to full company in the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot last time.

Nicholls reports his grey – who runs in the same colours as the late, great One Man – to be primed for the race.

“With Al Ferof all I know is he is as well as he has been all season. He worked very well on Saturday and always comes good at this time of year,” said the Ditcheat handler.

“Sprinter Sacre looks the one to beat but on form this year there’s not a lot between them.

“Two out in the Supreme we were sixth and Sprinter Sacre looked the winner, so I hope it’s the same again.”