Henderson is nervous over ‘flashy’ favourite

His horse of a lifetime will be the greatest Cheltenham certainty since Arkle when he lines up in the Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase, but that is no consolation to a nervous Henderson.

“He knows he’s good looking, he knows he’s good – it really is ‘look and watch me’,” said the trainer. “It’s all flashy and show. I’m never going to say he’s the best I have trained – I don’t know who was – but he’s right up there.

“He’s something to watch and, from Barry’s (Geraghty) point of view, he said he’s the most spectacular thing he’s ever sat on. He enjoys it, but I don’t.

“The pressure is on because everybody will expect one of his flashy performances and I hope he can deliver again.

“He finds it ridiculously easy but Cheltenham is Cheltenham and the course takes plenty of jumping. Sprinter Sacre is the one we would be disappointed with if he doesn’t win this week.”

Sprinter Sacre came to prominence when winning the Arkle last year and Festival form is a huge plus – his stablemate Simonsig, and Champagne Fever, both won at the meeting 12 months ago before prevailing in the opening two races yesterday.

The opposition is headed by Sizing Europe, one of the best horses to be encountered by Sprinter Sacre in his foot perfect career over fences. A past winner of the Arkle Trophy, like Sprinter Sacre, he won this race in 2011 and was narrowly beaten by the Henderson-trained Finian’s Rainbow 12 months ago.

It was Sizing Europe’s proven ability over the course and distance that persuaded connections to have a third crack at this race, instead of going for the Ryanair Chase tomorow.

“He seems in good form, he travelled over well and we’re hoping for a good run,” said trainer Henry de Bromhead. “The ground had a bit to do with us going for the Queen Mother rather than the Ryanair, but we think we are pretty good over the course and distance. He has a good record.”

While a lot of trainers decided not to take on Sprinter Sacre, Tom George took the plunge and supplemented Mail De Bievre at the confirmation stage.

The French-bred eight-year-old showed plenty of pace on his British debut in the Denman Chase over three miles before fading into fifth place behind Gold Cup fancy Silviniaco Conti at Newbury.

“He’s come on a lot since he went to Newbury. He’s very sharp and I’m looking forward to him running,” said the trainer. “He’s able and very ready for the big day. He’ll make it a good gallop, that is one thing we do know.”