Awesome Apple's Shakira takes next step on Triumph path

Apple’s Shakira, who made a sparkling debut for Nicky Henderson when storming home by 17 lengths at Cheltenham last month, returns to Prestbury Park as she bids to maintain her unbeaten record against three rivals in the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (12.10).

Although she reportedly shows little at home, the JP McManus-owned three-year-old came alive on the racecourse, and is already as short as 7-2 favourite for the Triumph in March.

Defi Du Seuil, winner of this race 12 months ago, went on to land the premier juvenile prize three months later, and plenty already believe Apple’s Shakira can follow in his hoofprints.

Henderson said: “I think she's come on a lot and she’s a lot sharper. She was visually impressive, but I’m not sure Gumball was suited by the testing ground that day, so I’m not totally convinced about the form.

“This is an obvious next step for her and we’ll find out a bit more about her. She’s in great form.”

Dan Skelton, trainer of Nube Negra, the other unbeaten runner in the field, said: “It’s a tough ask taking on Apple’s Shakira, but we don’t know how good Nube Negra is yet so we need to find out.

“He was impressive on his hurdles debut at Market Rasen, but the horse he beat [Knight Destroyer] is 6lb better off with us, which makes life tougher. It’s a case of seeing how good he could be. We’ll learn a lot.”

Good opportunity for Movewiththetimes

The Ryman Novices’ Chase (12.45) has been won by some talented horses in the past, including Whisper (2016), More Of That (2015), Oscar Whisky (2013) and Tidal Bay (2007).

Four line up this time and they include Movewiththetimes, runner-up to Finian’s Oscar at the track last time.

Movewiththetimes, who was edged out by Ballyandy in a rousing finish to the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury in February, is seeking his first win over fences after two attempts, and trainer Paul Nicholls appears to have found him a great opportunity.

“He ran very well behind Finian’s Oscar here last time and will be fine on the ground – even if it gets worse,” said Nicholls. “He’s in great form and ought to run very well indeed.”

Movewiththetimes: is looking to make it third time lucky over fencesCredit: Mark Cranham

Nigel Twiston-Davies saddles Newbury runner-up Jameson, who has to concede 5lb to Movewiththetimes.

“He would be better off with some of these if it were a handicap, but he’s an improving young chaser who ran a career-best last time,” said Twiston-Davies. “He'll go well again."

Secretus the greatest?

The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (2.30) is another small-field event, and Equus Secretus looks the most interesting of the five runners.

Unbeaten in two novice events at Huntingdon and Southwell, the son of Brian Boru takes a step up in class but looks a potentially useful performer in the making.

His trainer Ben Pauling said: “He's improved beyond recognition and I like him a lot. He’s come out of his Southwell race well and I’d expect him to run well.”

On-song Lee duo

Sire De Grugy, the 2014 Queen Mother Champion Chase hero, is among eight declared for the Junior Jumpers Handicap Chase (1.20).

The 11-year-old was well below his best when trailing the field at Ascot last month, a comment which cannot be applied to either of Kerry Lee’s duo Gino Trail and Grey Gold, both of whom won on their latest starts.

Gino Trail made all to slam Pain Au Chocolat by seven lengths at Wetherby, while 12-year-old Grey Gold was successful at Ffos Las.

Lee said: “Gino Trail ran a great race at Wetherby last time. He's 5lb higher in the weights but it looks a good opportunity.

“The softer the ground the better for Grey Gold. He’s in at Ludlow on Wednesday, but I fear the ground will be good by then so we’re running him too.”

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