'He could be the real deal' - Cobden sweet on Henri The Second after Grade 2 win

Friday: Sandown

Henri The Second bounced back to form to land the Winter Novices' Hurdle for Paul Nicholls and in-form jockey Harry Cobden.

The five-year-old, a half-brother to 2019 winner Enrilo, was second on his first hurdles start at Chepstow in October but went one better this time when denying Henry's Friend by four and a quarter lengths.

He was cut to 20-1 (from 40s) by Betfair for the Albert Bartlett and Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and joins the likes of Hermes Allen in a strong team of novice hurdlers at the yard.

"He was only beaten first time because it was the first time he'd seen a hurdle on grass," said Cobden. "We couldn't get him out as the ground was so quick at home. He's got so much raw ability.

"He beat a good horse in Authorised Speed in a Listed bumper at Ascot last year. I actually said to Paul on Tuesday he could still be our best novice hurdler this season, which is quite a bold statement.

"I would not underestimate this horse as he has got so much raw ability and is still green now. I think that will be a good race. It was attritional stuff but he is a hardy type. He could be the real deal."

"The form of his last race has worked out well," said Nicholls. "He was green that day but is learning and has taken a step forward. He has plenty of ability. We might aim for the Leamington at Warwick in January, which might suit him. He'll be an awesome chaser one day."

Cobden and Nicholls doubled up when Hugos New Horse justified favouritism on his handicap debut in the 2m novice handicap hurdle.

Bargain buy

Penna Rossa sprang a minor surprise when making all to win the 2m introductory juvenile hurdle for Camilla Poulton and Charlie Price.

Penna Rossa (left) scored for Camilla Poulton at SandownCredit: Edward Whitaker

The three-year-old is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Jeff Kidder and was bought for 5,500gns by the dual purpose trainer's daughter Eliza. He was sent off at 28-1 and provided Poulton with her first jumps success since 2019 after battling to narrowly deny Havaila.

"We followed this horse on the Flat when he was with Marco Botti," said Poulton, who trains ten horses in Lewes. "We always knew he'd be a changed horse over hurdles and he jumped superbly today. Our horses are just coming into some form and we quietly fancied him."

Off the mark

Paddy Barlow celebrated his first British winner after winning the amateur jockeys' handicap chase with 18-1 shot I See You Well.

The Seamus Mullins-trained nine-year-old stayed on well to score under Barlow, who is studying to become a vet and said he would not be celebrating too much as he still had lectures to catch up on.

"Hopefully, I can continue riding for as long as I can," said the 20-year-old. "I'm really enjoying it. I felt he had a good chance as he stays very well and I knew he was running off a competitive mark."

Results, replays and analysis

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