Nicky Henderson is hoping Brain Power can follow in the footsteps of Altior, as he bids to strike in a fantastic renewal of the Henry VII Novice Chase.
The six-year-old was a classy hurdler who won top handicaps before creditable efforts in the English and Irish Champion Hurdle.
He made a perfect start over fences, when powering home to a comfortable 28 length victory on his chasing debut and is currently the second favourite to win the Arkle at Cheltenham in March.
Henderson, who won this prize last year with superstar two-mile chaser Altior, is confident he can reclaim it once again.
“He’s in good form,” said the reigning champion trainer.
“It looks a very very good race. He ran really well the other day and I thought he jumped superbly too.
“He’s very good and I am happy with him going into the race and looking forward to seeing how he gets on against these.”
Colin Tizzard’s Finian's Oscar is seeking his third Grade One prize at Sandown, after winning the Tolworth over today’s course and distance and the Mersey Novice in April.
He’s unbeaten in two starts over fences, having saw off Movewiththetimes in encouraging style at Cheltenham last month.
Finian's Oscar v Brain Power v North Hill Harvey v Capitaine v Sceau Royal
An absolute treat!!
“He’s a gorgeous horse,” said Joe Tizzard, assistant to father Colin.
“He’s in great form and won really well at Cheltenham last time. I don’t think the two miles will be a problem for him as he won a Tolworth there.
“It’s a very hot race but he’s in cracking form and he’s got an outstanding chance.”
Paul Nicholls’ Capitaine was a Grade Two winner as a novice hurdler last year, and has taken to chasing very well.
The ten-year-old won by ten lengths on his debut over fences at Newton Abbot, before cantering to a 22 length win at Market Rasen in October.
North Hill Harvey is currently two from two over fences after his impressive performance in the Arkle trial at Cheltenham last month for Dan Skelton.
Alan King’s Sceau Royal, who was sixth in the Champion Hurdle last season, has won twice over fences at Warwick, but lost to Dan Skelton’s rival when the pair met in October.
TIP: This is a really good race, and I can’t wait to watch it! I think Finian’s Oscar is a very classy horse but I am worried the trip is too sharp. He is most certainly a horse who will races at this level, but I do think this trip will suit Brain Power who may have the edge. He’ll be a huge Arkle contender this season.
