Golden Hoof, Royal Boy set to represent Nicky Henderson in Saturday’s 32Red Hurdle Novices´ Hurdle at Sandown
Seeking a hat-trick in Sandown’s 32Red Hurdle Novices´ Hurdle, Nicky Henderson is all set to enter the Grade 1 contest with full force. The veteran handler could saddle both Golden Hoof and Royal Boy, as he aims for the third consecutive victory in Saturday’s
Sandown battle, registered as the Tolworth Hurdle Race.
Henderson’s contenders are in top shape at the moment. Golden Hoof, who was runner-up on his debut appearance in June, made his seasonal comeback in a spectacular fashion, winning the Weatherbys NH Season Betting Guide Novices' Hurdle at Kempton in November.
The son of Oscar built on that, and bagged another marvellous win last month. Sandown’s John Oakley 50th Birthday "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle saw him taking the top prize by eight lengths. Having secured two consecutive wins, the Hugh Quinn-bred looks
geared up to show an electric performance at the graded level.
Royal Boy is also full of confidence following an excellent ride at Cheltenham. After staying out of action for more than a year, the 6-year-old returned in mid December, when notching up the second place in the British Stallion Studs / Pyments Quantity
Surveyors EBF "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle (Qualifier).
Henderson, who won the previous two renewals of the Grade One contest with Minella Class and Captain Conan, is hoping for another favourable result this year. He has a fine line-up, but the competition is not easy by any means.
Another experienced trainer, Paul Nicholls, is eyeing the big prize with Caid Du Berlais and For Two. Nicholls has won this meeting four times since 2003, aiming to add another one to his haul.
On the other hand, the Clive Cox-trained, Poet is searching more after making a winning debut over hurdles. The 8-year-old showed great promise at Newbury, beating Veloce by two and a quarter lengths.
Pendra and Spirit Of Shankly are also engaged. The rest of the line-up consists of Buthelezi, Court Minstrel, Duke Of Navan, God's Own and Le Reve. Thirteen top-quality horses are confirmed for the Grade One race, which will be run over a distance of two
miles and 110 yards.
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