Nicky Henderson took Punchestowns out of the Dipper Novices' Chase at Cheltenham but was on the mark with his other three runners as Radium, Tetlami and Sentry Duty completed a treble under Barry Geraghty. The latter allowed Katchit and Mr Thriller to trade blows at the head of affairs in the Freedom Hurdle, after which the 9-2 chance capitalised on their sparring match to score with consummate ease.
He is now in the betting picture for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, but Henderson is a bit guarded as to the stamina capabilities of his troubled eight-year-old.
The trainer said: "Barry wants to bring him back to two miles, but let's think about it. Where we go we'll have to think, but we really ought to try it and we may run him in the Cleeve Hurdle at the end of the month."
Geraghty was just as confident in the ride he gave Tetlami to land the EBF 'High Sheriff Of Gloucestershire's' Junior Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race.
He always had the 4-1 favourite in the first four and after easing him to the front at the furlong pole, sent him bounding away for a clear-cut success.
Radium got the ball rolling with a clear-cut victory as the 7-4 favourite in the Cheltenham And Three Counties Race Club 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle.
EARLY NEWS FOR SATURDAY 2ND JANUARY.
OSCAR WHISKEY 3.10 SANDOWN.
This is Nicky Hendersons star novice hurdler, Should win providing Sandown goes ahead. Will update again in the morning.
Fingers crossed!
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