Arkle pecking order at stake as Henderson checks Brain function

1.45 Sandown
randoxhealth.com Henry VIII Novices' Chase (Grade 1) | 1m7½f | ITV/RUK

Nicky Henderson takes Brain Power along one of Altior's stepping stones to the Racing Post Arkle Trophy in a mouthwatering race likely to determine if he is a realistic heir to his stablemate's Cheltenham title.

The horse who was eighth and fifth in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and Punchestown made a successful transition to chasing with a 26-length win at Kempton but now faces much stiffer opposition in the form of four rivals who include Finian's Oscar.

"I wasn't expecting Finian's Oscar in there," said Henderson. "That makes it a particularly good renewal which should establish the early season pecking order as far as the two milers are concerned.

"Brain Power had a very nice time at Kempton and I hope this isn't too soon. He appears to be in very good form so we thought we would join in."

Colin Tizzard had hinted Finian's Oscar, winner of the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown last season, might wait for next weekend's meeting at Cheltenham over a longer trip.

The trainer said: "I don't know if we need to go two miles five as he has plenty of pace. This is worth a lot more money. I am sure he will stay one day. He will take a bit of beating."

Capitaine finished five lengths behind Finian's Oscar in the Tolworth but was an easy winner of both starts over fences at Market Rasen and Newton Abbot.

Trainer Paul Nicholls said: "It's a hell of a hot novice chase. He is two from two and the others have all won too. The ground will be much more in his favour than when he ran against Finian's Oscar there last season. It will be all about what jumps best and goes on the ground."

North Hill Harvey is also perfect over fences adding the Grade 2 Racing Post Arkle trial to a defeat of Sceau Royal on his chasing debut.

Trainer Dan Skelton said: "It's a very hot race, almost like the Arkle. We are happy with our horse after two very good wins.

"Normally with five or six runner races there may be two that can but in this race any of these could win and not one would be a surprise. I am sure plenty of these will be winning graded races in the future."

Sceau Royal has won two chases either side of his defeat by North Hill Harvey and trainer Alan King said: ”He only won a match at Warwick last time, but he has come out of that race fresh and well and his confidence is sky-high.

“Trying to give 5lb to North Hill Harvey at Cheltenham previously was probably a nigh impossible task, so, though he is again mixing it with the big boys, he is in good order and we just want that rain to stay away."

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