Hot favourite Shallwehaveonemore needs to up his game says Gary Moore

Saturday: 3.00 Kempton
Sky Bet Dovecote Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

The last Dovecote winner to subsequently strike at the top level was Irving in 2014 and few among the recent roll of honour jump off the page.

Grade 2 scorer Buzz (fourth in 2020) has been the most successful runner to contest the race since, and the Racing Post Rating handed to the winner has been regressing over the last five years.

However, that isn't to say there won't be a horse of Grade 1 calibre in this season's race. Judged on the visual impression of hot favourite Shallwehaveonemore's 20-length victory in a Sandown novice last time, he could be the one to step up.

Shallwehaveonemore represents the same owner and trainer combination as Goshen and produced a dominant front-running performance in the mould of his esteemed stablemate last time, although comparisons between the pair are premature at this stage.

In stark contrast to Goshen, Shallwehaveonemore showed a tendency to jump out to his left at Sandown and will be better suited when he encounters a left-handed track.

Favourite backers should be aware that Iceo is rated higher, has winning form over the course and distance and receives 9lb of his 12lb weight-for-age allowance.

That trainer Paul Nicholls has managed only two winners from his last 20 runners remains a cause for concern, though.

It is also worth noting Aucunrisque and Shallwehaveonemore dealt with the Alan King-trained Grandeur D'Ame with similar ease from the front in their respective novice hurdle victories.

Aucunrisque has also improved since, easily making all in a competitive Wincanton handicap hurdle last time, and will press Shallwehaveonemore for the lead.

Trainer Chris Gordon saddled the Dovecote winner in 2020 with a similar type and Aucunrisque's progressive, more battle-hardened profile could tilt things in his favour.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

'He only beats what's in front of him'

Nicky Henderson has a record eight Dovecotes on his CV but his bid for a ninth with Russian Ruler might be complicated by Tom Symonds, one of his proteges, who fields Moriko De Vassy in opposition.

He was seven and three-quarter lengths too good (also conceded 7lb) for Russian Ruler when they met at Doncaster in January, but testing ground meant he missed a Listed event at Exeter this month.

The Herefordshire-based Symonds, who was Henderson's assistant for five years, said: "He's good. We didn't go to Exeter the other day because it was too wet. This will be the opposite, which I think is better for him and this will tell us where to go.

"Handicaps were very tempting off his mark, but we need to do the right thing by him in his novice season and that's what these races are for. There's a lot about him we don't know as he only beats what's in front of him, although plenty of winners have come out of his win at Hereford in November, and they were a long way behind him.

"This is exciting and we'll be intrigued how he gets on against the better horses. Win, lose or draw, he's got improvement in him. We're lucky to have a horse like him."

Symonds watched Shatabdi win the Dovecote during his time with Henderson in 2007, and added: "She was lucky to get there because she'd fallen the week before. Hopefully we know what it takes and this was the card on which we had our biggest winner when Song For Someone won the rescheduled Kingwell two years ago. We can do it, but we need a bit of luck. We've had a quiet enough time of late, but this is the horse we've been waiting for."

What they say

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Russian Ruler
We've always believed in him and have to see where he belongs, so it's worth trying a race like this to find out. He was disappointing last time, but I'd like to think he's improved from that and his work has been good recently.

Gary Moore: Shallwehaveonemore represents the trainerCredit: Edward Whitaker

Gary Moore, trainer of Shallwehaveonemore
He goes there with every chance. It was nice for him to get his head in front last time after running against some smart opponents, but this is a deep race and he'll have to up his game.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Iceo
He's run very well round there before. I just hope the ground doesn't dry up too much. He's a nice horse and will be a big, strong chasing sort next year. He ran well when it was soft at Christmas and has a chance.

Milton Harris, trainer of Legionar
He's a good horse and I wasn't keen for him to lose his novice unless it was for a good prize like this. I expect him to run well without winning – the opposition might know a bit too much for him, especially around Kempton, as he can be a bit gawky.
Reporting by James Burn

Saturday's race previews:

1.50 Kempton: is 'thorough professional' Knight Salute the most underrated horse in training?

2.05 Lingfield: 'He's shown the old spark' – Lord North takes on Alenquer in Winter Derby

2.25 Kempton: 'A flatter track will suit' – Paul Nicholls confident Pic D'Orhy can bounce back

3.15 Newcastle: trainer quotes and expert insight for the Eider Chase

3.37 Kempton: 'He's turned a corner' – Christian Williams chases big prize with three chances

4.18 Fairyhouse: last year's Grand National third and fourth go head-to-head in Bobbyjo Chase

Racing Post Live is your ultimate racing watchalong every Saturday and during major festivals. Our experts offer uninterrupted tips, analysis and reactions to the ITV action. Subscribe to the Racing Post YouTube channel here and never miss a minute