Mindful approach likely to pay off for potential champion James Bowen

The jumps trainers' title seems bound for Somerset rather than RG17, unless there's a dramatic transformation in Nicky Henderson's modus operandi.

Henderson has been famed for his legendary patience during his 41 years with a licence and it's a method that has played a large part in some of his best success stories – think the three Champion Hurdles with breakthrough horse See You Then, going back over hurdles with subsequent King George hero Might Bite after his iffy chase debut and, of course, his masterful handling of Sprinter Sacre, who appeared sunk after a heart problem but roared back to Champion Chase immortality.

So, if a promising bumper horse or novice hurdler could do with time – rather than another outing this term – you can all but guarantee chasing Paul Nicholls will be the last thing on Henderson's mind.