Nicky Henderson has excessive hopes both Structure Hill or Jonbon may give Britain a flying begin to the Pageant by successful the opening Sky Guess Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
The Seven Barrows handler has at all times wished to pitch them in opposition to one another to provide the house staff the absolute best likelihood of foiling the Irish within the curtain raiser.
Each horses take unbeaten information over hurdles to the assembly, however in character they’re polar opposites.
“It was at all times the plan to run them each however they’re like cheese and chalk,” mentioned Henderson.
“Jonbon will at all times be a bit flighty, it is in all probability a assist he is within the first race and we’ll have methods and technique of hopefully maintaining the lid on him as a result of he’ll be the one on his toes. We’ll shield him from the ambiance.
“Nothing will fear Structure Hill, he is simply so laid again. They are going to be two excellent rides within the race. Whereas Jonbon could be a bit eager within the race, there is not any hazard of that for Structure Hill!
“Jonbon had a correct race at Haydock, however he quickened up twice in horrible floor which I used to be happy with. By operating Structure Hill once more, I used to be by no means going to discover a aggressive race. There wasn’t anyplace else to go the place you had been going to get greater than 4 or 5 runners (like within the Tolworth).”
Henderson compares each to his final two winners of the race, who went on to better issues.
“I feel they’re each very sturdy. Like Altior and Shishkin, you want to assume they’re of their kind of league,” he went on.
“It’s at all times the very best race to win on the entire card to be sincere with you. We need to see England 1 Eire 0. It’s good to have two, as two is healthier than one.
“They’ve finished every thing proper and I hope all goes nicely. There isn’t a doubt Willie’s (Mullins) are good, however our job is to thoughts our personal horses.”
Mullins, who has gained the Supreme on a document seven events, has his personal highly effective hand, with Dysart Dynamo, Kilcruit and Deliver On The Night time all in competition.
Dysart Dynamo disputes favouritism with Structure Hill following his runaway victory within the Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle, whereas final season’s Champion Bumper runner-up Kilcruit made it third time fortunate over hurdles on his newest outing and seems to be coming into kind on the proper time.
“Dysart Dynamo was very free the final day in entrance, however I feel Paul (Townend, jockey) has mentioned to me on multiple event that when he settles behind a horse he is high quality,” mentioned Mullins.
“Kilcruit jumps nicely sufficient, so every thing would appear proper for him. He handles the monitor nicely and also you’d assume the horse who completed second within the Bumper might go for the two-and-a-half-mile race actually, however I am undecided that will swimsuit him.”
The Gordon Elliott-trained Mighty Potter is one other main hope for the Irish, having been stored contemporary for Cheltenham since successful in Grade One firm at Leopardstown over Christmas.
Joey Logan, racing supervisor to homeowners Caldwell Development Ltd, mentioned: “I feel he is the forgotten horse of the race, to be sincere. His work within the final 4 to 6 weeks has been very good.
“He is a giant horse and a chaser within the making, however he is obtained stronger since Christmas and I feel he will run a really massive race.
“It is a very aggressive race, clearly. You’ve got obtained Nicky’s horses and Willie’s. However take nothing away from Mighty Potter, who has gained a Grade One and is unfortunate to not have gained two Grade Ones (shut third in Royal Bond at Fairyhouse).
“Gordon did a incredible job maintaining at residence as a substitute of operating on the Dublin Racing Pageant because it’s freshened him up.
“If he will get into a pleasant rhythm together with his leaping and comes across the bend in second or third, I feel he has a severe likelihood developing the hill.”
Paul Nicholls’ Silent Revolution has not been seen since early November attributable to a setback and is among the many outsiders.
“He’s a helpful prospect who gained nicely on his debut over hurdles at Newbury in November earlier than having slightly downside with a splint which prevented us giving him one other run earlier than Cheltenham,” Nicholls advised Betfair.
“However he has finished lots at residence and loved an away day at Wincanton the place he labored properly. Clearly we’re pitching Silent Revolution right into a sizzling race however we’re sport to provide it a go.”
