Backing against a horse of Sprinter Sacre’s calibre is always a dangerous game, but there is no doubt the John Smith’s Melling Chase at Aintree today represents his stiffest test over fences to date.
Nicky Henderson’s seven-year-old has an awesome engine to match his incredible physique and stretched his unbeaten record over fences to eight with a scintillating display in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham last month.
The way he annihilated a top-class animal in Sizing Europe was a frightening sight, but there has to be some doubt he will be as effective over two and a half miles. For that reason, he can take him on with the hugely exciting Flemenstar.
Peter Casey's pride and joy enjoyed a stellar novice campaign over the larger obstacles and picked up where he left off on his return, proving far too good for Gold Cup runner-up Sir Des Champs in the two-and-a-half-mile John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase.
Limitations exposed
Flemenstar has since had his stamina limitations exposed over three miles, suffering admittedly admirable defeats in the Lexus Chase and the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown. A bold-jumping front-runner, two and a half miles on a flat track should suit him. He also has a freshness edge on Sprinter Sacre and Ryanair Chase hero Cue Card.
The banker on day two of the Grand National meeting is surely the Henderson-trained My Tent Or Yours in the opening Rose Appeal Supports Alder Hey Top Novices' Hurdle.
A devastating performance in Newbury’s Betfair Hurdle ensured he was sent off a red-hot favourite for Cheltenham’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, and all appeared to be going according to plan as he rounded the home turn still hard on the bridle. However, Champagne Fever proved too tough a nut to crack up the punishing hill. A return to a flatter track will undoubtedly suit this pacey individual.
At Fishers Cross sets a similarly high standard in the John Smith's Sefton Novices' Hurdle, even though there are concerns he is better on a softer surface.
